X-Factor: O’Neill’s offensive prowess key for No. 3 Duke men’s lacrosse against Syracuse

As Duke gears up for the semifinals of the ACC men’s lacrosse tournament, the Blue Zone is here to analyze a key player from both sides:

Duke: Brennan O’Neill

In his senior season as a Blue Devil, Brennan O’Neill will take on a new challenge — the ACC men’s lacrosse tournament, which has not been held since 2019. The Bay Shore, NY, native continues to lead the Blue Devil offense, posting 67 points so far this season. As a veteran, O’Neill has added several awards to his resume, including the 2023 ACC Offensive Player of the Year and the 2023 Tewaaraton Award. The attackman might not be having quite the same success he did last year, when he posted 97 points as a junior, but he continues to dominate on the offensive end. O’Neill put up some of his best numbers early in the regular season, scoring a season-high six goals against Saint Joseph’s University Feb. 17.

O’Neill is not only a leader in collegiate play, but has also made his name known on an international level at the 2023 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship this summer. The only collegiate player on the roster, O’Neill scored five goals in the championship game, leading team USA to a gold medal. The co-captain’s experience and consistent highlight-reel displays will be crucial to a victory against Syracuse. O’Neill — ranked second in the ACC in goals per game — has promising ability to propel the team to an offensive clinic.

Syracuse: Joey Spallina

Just 26 miles away on the North Shore resides Syracuse’s own x-factor and holder of Long Island’s all-time boys lacrosse points record. Joey Spallina — an attackman for the Orange — leads the team with 76 points. Just a sophomore, Spallina has made his name known throughout the league, posting dominant performances and ranking among the best in offensive success. The Mount Sinai, NY, native leads the ACC in assists and points per game, averaging 5.07 points and 3.13 assists. The number-one recruit for the high school class of 2022 lived up to his title in collegiate play and was named the 2023 ACC Freshman of the Year.

In the Blue Devils’ regular season matchup against Syracuse, Spallina was held to just two assists. Despite Spallina’s quiet performance, a weak offensive display by Duke led the Orange to a commanding 10-4 victory. Key to a first round victory in the ACC tournament is the Blue Devils’ ability to contain Spallina combined with a consistent offensive display. In Syracuse’s three losses against top-10 opponents, Spallina was held to one or less goals. In contrast, in season-defining victories for the Orange — like their 14-13 win against then-fourth-ranked Johns Hopkins — Spallina led the team with five points. If Duke’s defense applies the pressure on Spallina and O’Neill orchestrates the offense efficiently, the Blue Devils’ can make right of the regular season loss.