After an outstanding, record breaking regular season, 2nd ranked Rutgers men’s Lacrosse begins the Big Ten Tournament tonight in College Park, Maryland against Ohio State in the Big Ten Tournament.
Rutgers (12-2, 4-1) set a program record for wins in a single season in 2022 with 12 victories. Leading the Rutgers attack all season has been Ross Scott (36 goals, 12 assists) and Mitch Bartolo (33 goals, 16 assists). Meanwhile the likes of Ronan Jacoby (30 goals, 9 assists),Shane Knobloch (26 goals, 12 assists), and Brian Cameron posted 26 goals, with RU getting an average of 30.2 goals from their top five point-producers, according to Scarlet Knights.com.
All the hard work put in so far leads up to the biggest moments. #RUMLax starts postseason play this Thursday night vs. Ohio State in the conference tournament! @B1GLacrosse Tourney Semifinals Preview 📰: https://t.co/X7qxhW0tat pic.twitter.com/k9OscNmMMF
— Rutgers Men's LAX (@RUmlax) May 3, 2022
On defensive side, the Scarlet Knights have been led by goalie Colin Kirst, who has started all 14 games this season, allowing 137, while recording 162 saves for a .542 save percentage. Ethan Roll set a new Rutgers record with 25 forced turnovers.
According to Scarlet Knights.com, Rutgers ” ranks second in the nation in clearing percentage (92.0%) and turnovers (13.36 per game). RU is also in the top-10 in three additional categories, ranking eighth in scoring offense (15.43), scoring margin (4.50) and points per game (23.79).”
Ross Scott getting the postseason mustache energy going! https://t.co/zzZHp6IrOt
— Rutgers Men's LAX (@RUmlax) May 4, 2022
Rutgers and Ohio State met previously on March 27, a game the Scarlet Knights won handedly 18-7. That day Mitch Bartolo and Ross Scott led the Scarlet Knights with four goals a piece in the victory.
Meanwhile Ohio State stands at 10-4 on the season, having won four of its last five, including winning two straight against Michigan. The Buckeyes topped the Wolverines 16-10 in the Big Ten Quarterfinals last Saturday.
Jackson Reid (41 goals, 15 assists), Jack Myers (34 goals, 41 assists) and Colby Smith (39 goals, six assists) all lead the team in scoring this year.
The game can be seen on the Big Ten Network tonight at 8 p.m.