The North Carolina Tar Heels open their NCAA Lacrosse season on Feb. 8 hosting Michigan at Dorrance Field. Opening faceoff with the Wolverines is set for Noon. Michigan’s season began with a comprehensive 14-1 victory over Marquette. Let’s analyze these two teams and see if we can find some value in the betting market.
- What? NCAA Lacrosse: North Carolina Tar Heels vs. Michigan
- Where? Dorrance Field, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- When? Saturday, February 8, 2025
NCAA Lacrosse Odds
Below are the odds from three of the best sports betting sites.
Michigan (+140)
The 15th-ranked Michigan men's lacrosse team delivered a historic defensive performance in its 2025 season opener, limiting Marquette to a single goal in a commanding 14-1 victory on Feb. 1 at U-M Lacrosse Stadium. The Wolverines (1-0) set a program record for fewest goals allowed. They shut out the Golden Eagles (0-1) for the final 48 minutes and 51 seconds after conceding an early goal with 11:49 left in the first quarter.
Michigan’s defense was relentless, with Pace Billings, Kees Van Wees, and Mason Whitney combining for four caused turnovers and nine ground balls. They restricted Marquette to just 26 shots against their own 49. Junior goalie Hunter Taylor played a crucial role in the effort, making 10 saves.
On the offensive end, Ryan Cohen and Jack Jenkins led the charge with two goals and two assists apiece, while Aidan Mulholland and Bo Lockwood each contributed two goals and one assist. Graduate student Will Byrne found the net twice in his Wolverines debut, and Lukas Stanat also scored in his first game wearing Maize and Blue. In total, seven different players accounted for Michigan’s 14 goals. Faceoff specialist Jackie Weller dominated the circle, winning 12 of 18 draws and collecting seven ground balls.
Marquette struck first, but Michigan quickly seized control with six unanswered goals. Byrne tallied two during that stretch, while Cohen contributed a goal and two assists, giving the Wolverines a 6-1 advantage at halftime. Michigan outshot Marquette 26-16 in the opening half, with Taylor recording seven saves.
The Wolverines continued to pull away in the second half, as Lockwood and Cohen added goals in the third quarter to push the lead to 8-1. Michigan then poured in six more goals in the final period, with Jenkins scoring twice and Rowan Clay adding another to put the finishing touches on a dominant win.
Up next, Michigan embarks on a three-game road trip, beginning with the showdown against North Carolina.
North Carolina Tar Heels (-185)
North Carolina enters the new NCAA Lacrosse season with a renewed sense of determination after a frustrating end to last year. Although they closed the campaign with a victory, the Tar Heels dropped five of their previous six games. This included three narrow one-goal losses. A few pivotal moments going their way could have flipped their record to 9-4 and positioned them for an ACC Tournament berth.
With a core group of players returning, UNC has the talent to compete at a high level. The road ahead won’t be easy, as a demanding schedule awaits. Facing top-tier competition could prove beneficial when the stakes are highest.
Fueled by the lessons of last season, the Tar Heels are setting their sights on championship weekend. They are determined to turn last year’s close defeats into statement wins.
Prediction and Betting Picks
Michigan’s opening day win was very impressive but I expect the Tar Heels to win this one with home field advantage.
Make sure to check out our Bovada sportsbook review for all the information you need to know about this betting site.
With two good defenses in action, I expect this stay under the total line.
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