ITHACA, N.Y. – The 15^th-ranked Ithaca College men's lacrosse team is set to begin its NCAA Tournament postseason run on Wednesday afternoon when it welcomes MAC Commonwealth Champion Stevenson University to South Hill for an NCAA Second Round contest. Start time at Higgins Stadium is set for 4:00 p.m.
 
Game Information
#15 Ithaca College (15-3) vs. Stevenson University (12-6)
Wednesday, May 9, 2018 | 4:00 PM | Higgins Stadium – Ithaca, N.Y.
 
Game Coverage
Live Stats | Live Stream | Radio (WICB) | Twitter
Game Program (PDF) | Stevenson Game Notes (PDF)
 
Tickets
$6 – Adults
$5 – Children (12U) and Senior Citizens/Veterans
Note: IC Faculty/Staff/Students gain free entry with presentation of valid college ID
 
Directions/Parking
Please visit the following link to view directions to Higgins Stadium: CLICK HERE.
Please visit the following link to view the Ithaca College Campus Map: CLICK HERE.
Please visit the following link to check out parking information: CLICK HERE.
(Primary parking lot will be M-Lot)
 
The Bracket
Please visit the following link to view the printable 2018 NCAA Bracket: CLICK HERE.
 
How They Got Here - Ithaca
The Bombers earned one of 11 total at-large berths up for grabs in this year's 36-team field. Ithaca advanced to the Liberty League Championship in its first season as an affiliate, posting a 15-3 record heading into NCAA Tournament play. The clinching win likely came in the Liberty League Semifinals, as the Bombers scored a comeback victory over 19th-ranked RPI 8-7 in double-overtime.
 
12th All-Time Appearance
Ithaca is set to make its 12th all-time appearance in the NCAA Tournament when it plays host to the Second Round matchup against Stevenson. The Bombers have now made the tournament 10 times during head coach Jeff Long's tenure, while they have now made the tournament twice over the past three seasons.
 
Faster Starts
During the early portion of this season the Bombers thrived during the opening moments of games. Although that advantage has held throughout the season with IC holding a 63-to-36 edge in first-quarter goals, Ithaca has struggled to get going over the final stretch of the season. Over the past five contests, opponents have held a 19-to-13 advantage in the first-quarter scoring, while the Bombers have found themselves trailing after 15-minutes three times during that stretch.
 
All-Liberty League Spotlight
Ithaca was well-represented in the All-Liberty League Teams, which were released by the League on Tuesday, May 8th. The Bombers had seven total players recognized, which included First Team selections in Conner Crosson, Josh Della Puca, and Winston Wenham. Connor Brumfield, Brendan King and Aaron McCartney were Second Team selections, while Sean Seaberg was an Honorable Mention pick. Check out the full release: CLICK HERE.
 
First Meeting vs. Stevenson
Wednesday's game will mark the first-ever meeting between Ithaca and Stevenson in men's lacrosse. The Mustangs will be the fourth time IC will meet a new opponent this season. Not that it matters, but Ithaca has gone 3-0 in such first meetings this season, scoring wins over U.S. Coast Guard, Vassar and Bard during the regular season.
 
How They Got Here - Stevenson
The Mustangs punched their ticket to their 10th consecutive NCAA Tournament by virtue of winning the automatic bid out of the MAC Commonwealth Conference. Stevenson completed an undefeated run through the conference during the regular season to earn hosting rights for the conference tournament. The Mustangs held serve on home turf this past week, besting Lycoming 22-7 in the semifinal, before besting Widener in a 12-6 final in the MAC Commonwealth Championship Game this past Saturday.
 
Battle Tested
Stevenson is certainly battle tested heading into Wednesday's matchup against Ithaca. The Mustangs played quite possibly the toughest non-conference schedule in the country this season, opening the year with seven consecutive opponents ranked in the USILA Top-20. Wednesday's matchup against the Bombers will be the eighth against a ranked opponent this season. Stevenson played competitively despite starting the season 0-5, scoring nationally-ranked wins over #3 Cabrini and #13 Stevens during the regular season.
 
On a Roll
Other than RIT, there may not be another team in the country entering the NCAA Tournament hotter than Stevenson. The Mustangs have won 12-of-13 to conclude the year, posting an average margin of victory of 10.75 goals in those 12 victories.
 
Thelan Leads Potent Attack
Junior attacker JT Thelan is one of the most dynamic offensive threats in the country. His 3.72 goals per game average is 10th-best in the country, while his 67 total goals rank third in the nation. He enters Wednesday on quite a roll, averaging 6.8 points per game over his last five contests coming into the tournament.
 
Up Next
The winner of Wednesday's matchup will face the winner between Tufts University (16-1) and the first-round winner of Merchant Marine (13-2) and Johnson & Wales (R.I.) (9-11). Merchant Marine and Johnson & Wales (R.I.) play in the First Round matchup on Tuesday, May 8, at 4:00 p.m., with the winner facing the Jumbos on Wednesday, May 9, at 4:00 p.m. The Third Round matchup will be played on Saturday, May 12.