We’re back with another pair of NCAA lacrosse picks for this weekend’s slate. Whether you’re an avid bettor who’s new to lacrosse or a lacrosse fan who’s new to betting, I recommend checking outmy guide on how to bet on lacrosse for some tips to use when placing a lacrosse bet.
With that said, let’s take a look at my favorite plays for this weekend.
College Lacrosse Picks
| Click on a game to skip ahead | |
| Richmond vs North Carolina | Friday, 5 p.m. ET |
| UMass vs Army | Saturday, noon ET |
Richmond vs. North Carolina
| Pick | Over 25.5 |
| Best Book | DraftKings |
| Time | Friday, 5 p.m. ET |
| TV | ACC Network |
The first play I like is in a battle at Chapel Hill between Richmond and North Carolina. This game has seen a bit of movement on the spread and total, opening with UNC as 5.5-point favorites and the total set at 26.5. Since then, the spread has moved at 4.5 and the total currently sits at 25.5 on DraftKings. The Spiders have historically played UNC tough so I’m going pass on the spread this week, but I really think there is a case for this total to go over the 25.5 mark.
UNC’s offense boasts arguably the top player in the nation in Chris Gray, a favorite to win the Tewaaraton — lacrosse’s version of the Heisman. In 2021 he contributed to a UNC offense that averaged 16.31 goals per game, good enough for the NCAA’s highest-scoring offense. Despite some key losses at the midfield, I expect the Tar Heels to pick up where they left off in 2021.
On the flipside, Richmond is returning offensive weapons Dalton Young and Ryan Lanchbury, with Lanchbury entering this season with 212 career points — second in Richmond history. The second-overall draft pick in the 2021 National Lacrosse League Draft is going to be a handful to keep off the score sheet.
I also expect these teams to play at a quick tempo, which tends to bode well for a high-scoring game. According to Lacrosse Reference, Richmond ranked 14th in pace last season, opting to take its first shot on goal an average of 41.85 seconds into each possession. While UNC ranked a bit slower at 35th in pace, the Tar Heels were extremely efficient on offense last year, converting 39.3% of possessions into goals.
I expect these offenses to play fast and this total to go over 25.5 goals.
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UMass vs. Army
| Pick | Army -3.5 |
| Best Book | DraftKings |
| Time | Saturday, noon ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
For my next play, I’m looking at a Saturday matchup between UMass and Army, where I like Army laying -3.5 at home. The spread is currently juiced at -150, so it’s a tad pricey to buy into the Black Knights covering the 3.5-point spread right now, but I think this is a favorable spot for Army to get the cover.
Not only was Army 5-0 against unranked opponents last season, it had an average margin of victory of five goals through those five wins. Coach Joe Alberici’s 10th-ranked Army team is seasoned, with 19 seniors on its roster, and the Black Knights rarely plays down to their opponents’ level.
Army’s success has largely been thanks to the strength of a defensive unit that ranked No. 3 nationally in opponent-adjusted efficiency last year, according to Lacrosse Reference.
I expect this West Point defense to keep this Minutemen offense in check and like the Black Knights to cover the 3.5 points. I would bet Army down to -4.5.
