The day after the top seed in the NCAA men's basketball tournament was bounced, top-ranked Virginia (7-0) pays a visit to Towson (1-3) on Sunday at noon at Johnny Unitas Stadium. Here are a few factors that could determine the outcome.
1. One key to a Virginia win: The Cavaliers boast one of the best pressure defenses in the nation, asking their players to attack opposing ball handlers and force turnovers. Seniors Ken Clausen and Ryan Nizolek are huge and adept at getting their sticks in the passing lanes. Senior long-stick midfielder Bray Malphrus can gobble up groundballs. They will make it difficult for the Tigers to set up their offense for 6-on-6 situations. So it will be interesting to see how Towson will try to protect the ball and maintain possession.
2. One key to a Towson win: The Tigers have a dilemma on their hands. With Virginia boasting prolific scorers in sophomore attackmen Steele Stanwick and Chris Bocklet and midfielders Shamel and Rhamel Bratton and Brian Carroll, the question becomes which player will be left with a short-stick defensive midfielder. Then again, senior Peter Mezzanotte isn't exactly a pushover, and he should relish this kiind of challenge. Still, containing that Cavaliers offense will be a puzzle that few opponents have been able to piece together.
3. One key match-up: Towson coach Tony Seaman has been thrilled with the development of freshman defenseman Ben Strauss, who has personally surrendered a combined zero goals and one assist to Maryland junior attackman Ryan Young and Navy junior attackman Andy Warner. Strauss will have his hands full if he gets assigned to Stanwick, a slick player who doesn't need much time or space to test an oppposing goalkeeper.