Towson at Johns Hopkins: Halftime thoughts
History appears to be safe as Johns Hopkins is basically putting a choke hold on No. 19 Towson’s attempt to keep the Blue Jays out of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 39 years.
Johns Hopkins is cruising right now, leading by a comfortable 8-0 at halftime here at Homewood Field in Baltimore.
A Tigers victory would have guaranteed the Blue Jays a sub-.500 finish, which would have automatically made them ineligible for consideration for the NCAA Tournament. But Towson (6-5) has appeared lifeless in the first half, committing turnovers on the first three offensive possessions and taking low-percentage shots that freshman goalkeeper Pierce Bassett (nine saves) has stopped easily.
The Tigers, who own a five-game winning streak, have also committed six penalties – four of which were the 1-minute variety – and are in the midst of their worst deficit of the season.
Meanwhile, Johns Hopkins (5-7) is flexing its muscles and quite easily as the offensive players have raced past Towson’s defenders for easy scores, four of which have come from in front of the cage.
Other notes:
*On Senior Night, the Blue Jays’ seniors are leading the way with midfielder Michael Kimmel posting three points on two goals and one assist and attackman Steven Boyle adding a goal and an assist. Sophomore attackman Tom Palasek has registered a goal and an assist.
*Even though the Tigers have been flagged six times, Johns Hopkins has converted just one extra-man opportunity. The Blue Jays have committed seven penalties – including being two-men down with 8:09 left in the second quarter – but Towson senior midfielder Will Harrington failed to catch a pass from junior attackman Tim Stratton, and the ball rolled out of bounds, giving possession to Johns Hopkins, which promptly killed the penalty.
*This is the Blue Jays’ largest lead at halftime since March 1, 2008 when they led Princeton, 10-1, during the Face-Off Classic. This is the first time the Tigers have gone scoreless in a half since March 14, 2009 when Virginia shut out Towson in the second half en route to an 11-2 victory.
Categories: Halftime thoughts, Johns Hopkins, Towson
