#BIGEASTmlax Minute – Denver Wins, 9-8, Over Marquette; Villanova, Providence Clinch Playoff Berths
NEW YORK – No. 12/14 Denver came back to defeat Marquette, 9-8, at Valley Fields on Friday night. The win guaranteed Denver at least a share of the Pioneers sixth-straight BIG EAST regular season title. Denver finished the regular season 4-1 in BIG EAST play. The win also guaranteed playoff spots for Villanova (3-1) and Providence (2-2).
Denver’s Ted Sullivan led the Pioneers with two goals, one assist. Ethan Walker also had two goals, as did Austin French. Marquette’s Ryan Fazio and Griffin Fleming also had a pair of goals each. Marquette led 5-1 at the end of the first quarter, and still led 6-5 at the half. Denver took the eventual 7-6 lead with 12:30 left in the third quarter. Marquette and Denver were tied at 8-8 with 2:55 left in the third. Sullivan scored the eventual game-winner with 2:10 left in the period. Neither team would score in the fourth.
On Saturday, No. 17/18 Villanova will play at Providence at 1 p.m., while St. John’s (0-4) travels to No. 19/17 Georgetown (2-2) at the same time. Georgetown will be playing for the final playoff spot, while Marquette (2-3) will wait to see how the chips fall to see if the Golden Eagles could fall into the last tournament spot.
A win by Villanova will give the Wildcats a share of the title and the No. 1 seed as Villanova defeated Denver earlier this season, 12-11.
Providence can earn the No. 2 seed with a win over Villanova and a Georgetown loss. Georgetown needs a win to get in. However, the Hoyas could also still get in with a Wildcat Victory. Marquette could get the final spot with a Providence win and a St. John’s victory.
The bracket for the 2019 men’s lacrosse championship will be released following Saturday’s games.
#BIGEASTmlax Upcoming Results/Schedule
Friday, April 26
[12/14] DENVER 9, MARQUETTE 8
Saturday, April 27
[17/18] VILLANOVA at PROVIDENCE, 1 p.m. ET (BEDN)
ST. JOHN’S at [19/17] GEORGETOWN, 1 p.m. ET (CBSSN)
All times listed are Eastern