Getting to Know: University of Denver

Syracuse will face Denver in the final four. Let’s take a look inside the rising power from Colorado.

Record: 14-4 (6-1 Eastern College Athletic Conference)

About the ECAC: The Eastern College Athletic Conference started in 2000 and has eight members including defending national champion Loyola (Md.), Ohio State, Michigan, Bellarmine, Fairfield, Hobart, and Air Force. Loyola played its final season in the ECAC in 2013, as the Greyhounds are moving to the Patriot League.

The Season Thus Far: The Pioneers have suffered four losses, but almost all have come down to the wire. Two of the four losses came in overtime, and the margin of defeat in regulation losses was just a combined six goals. Denver didn’t win its conference tournament, falling to Ohio State 11-10 in overtime.

The road to Lincoln Financial Field was arduous for the Pioneers. Denver topped the Thompsons of Albany 19-14 in the first round before taking on North Carolina in the quarterfinal. Against the Tar Heels, Denver rallied from a six-goal deficit to win 12-11 and punch its ticket to Philadelphia.

By the Numbers:

56- The number of goals Wes Berg has scored this year, good for second in the country. He has averaged 3.11 goals per game during the 2013 season, fourth most in the nation.

12.67- The number of goals per game the Pioneers average, which ranks fifth in the country, and third amongst the four teams in the final four. Syracuse sits at 13th nationally with 11.72, which places SU last out of the final four teams.

57.8- The percentage of faceoffs Chase Carraro has won over the course of this season, ranking 14th in the nation.

9.67- Denver’s average goals allowed per game. The defense isn’t bad either as the Pioneers are tied for 21st in the country in goals against average.

Neutral is the new poor: While Denver has not lost in enemy territory, going 4-0 on the road, the Pioneers are 3-3 at neutral sites. Denver has come together in the tournament, but the ECAC conference championship game loss to Ohio State in Geneva, N.Y., shows signs of susceptibility in big games at neutral sites.

Published on May 24, 2013 at 7:50 pm

Contact Jacob: jmklinge@syr.edu | @Jacob_Klinger_