2015 Big Ten Lacrosse Tournament: THE FACEOFF

"Hello, friends. Jim Nantz here from majestic College Park, Maryland on the campus of the University of Maryland. And just as the flowers bloom on the quad and students give offerings to the statue of Testudo, another tradition opens to welcome us in the warm breezes of May. The Big Ten Tournament has arrived with four teams looking to put their stamp on the Big Ten's illustrious history by going down as the first to take this prestigious affair. Just across the campus is the Washington Beltway, and one of these teams will surely be the President of Big Ten lacrosse when we've wrapped up this weekend. Now let's take a look at our four combatants as they try to grab the crown jewel of the Big Ten."

"First, we have the Johns Hopkins Blue Jays, lacrosse's most storied program, as the top seed of the weekend. With their season on the brink of disaster, the Jays may have saved it after a win last weekend over Maryland to take a giant crab -- am I reading this copy right? -- back to Baltimore. Now a new challenge awaits. They aren't safely in the NCAA Tournament field without a conference title. Will Hopkins add another trophy and milestone to their already illustrious legacy or will they instead sit at home after Selection Sunday?"

"Coming in as the second seed are the Maryland Terrapins, the host team for this tournament. The Terps were riding high with a 12-1 campaign before they lost to their bitter rival Johns Hopkins. Now Maryland must face a tough task of dealing with Ohio State in the semifinal round and, should the team advance, a potential rematch with Hopkins. Can they turn things around in time for the NCAA Tournament by showing that they're still the best in the conference?"

"And speaking of those Ohio State Buckeyes, they're living an uncomfortable life on the bubble. Last week the Buckeyes were safe in everybody's bracketology columns. But a shocking loss to Rutgers last Saturday has potentially put Ohio State on the outside looking in."

"Lastly we have the Penn State Nittany Lions playing the role of ultimate spoiler. They finished their regular season under .500 in a somewhat disappointing campaign, but all is anew come the postseason. Can Penn State shock the world with a Big Ten title and take a precious bid away from a crowded bubble?"

"We're excited to answer these questions and more this weekend at enchanted Byrd Stadium. History will be made among legends and leaders."