Detroit 7, Navy 11

I thought this would be a close game that Detroit couldn’t pull out in the end, and in a way the score looks like that’s the case. However, the order of scoring (UDM scored the final three goals to make things look a little closer than they actually were) belies that.

Falling to what appears to be a very good Navy team is nothing to be ashamed of, and playing opponents like this will help the Titans  prepare for a run in-conference.

Tempo Free

From the official box score, a look at the tempo-free stats:

Yet again, a pretty fast-paced game that looks strong defensively for both teams (obviously moreso for Navy). I’m not sure if that’s just the style of play Michigan and Detroit have had so far, if the new clock rules lead to more possessions (and more wasted possessions), or what.

UDM held their own on faceoffs – more about that in a moment – but had some struggles in the transition game that led to a significant possession deficit. Some of that deficit was made up in the fourth quarter, but it was too little, too late for Detroit.

Notes

On faceoffs: most of UDM’s success came in the fourth quarter (a 7/8 stretch, all of the wins by Tyler Corcoran), and much of it once Navy replaced starting faceoff specialist Evan McGoogan (10/15 on the day) with Sean Reilly (2/5). When the game was actually in its more competitive portions, the Titans were crushed on draws.

Detroit hasn’t been a unit that’s causing as many turnovers defensively as in recent years, though it’s unclear whether that’s a product of competition faced so far this year (very good) or a style change. In just over 3/4 the number of possessions, they had as many turnovers caused against them as they caused. That ain’t good. It could also speak more to poor valuing of the ball on offense, rather than causing turnovers on D.

Your offensive star of the day – surprising nobody – was Shayne Adams. His four goals did come on 12 shots, however (eight of them on goal), so passing up the OK look might be something to work on. This Detroit team isn’t good enough to not capitalize on every offensive opportunity to the best of their ability each time down. Adams added an assist for five total points, and Alex Maini’s one and one made him the only other multi-point Titan.

On defense, Jamie Hebden caused five(!) turnovers and picked up five ground balls, earning MAAC defensive player of the week. Jordan Houtby and Jon Dwyer caused two each. Goalie Chris Kelly went the distance between the pipes, and made 11 saves while allowing the 11 goals.

For Navy, attack Tucker Hull was the star, scoring three times and assisting on three teammates’ goals. Austin Heneveld added one of each, while Sam Jones made two assists (but didn’t manage to find the back of the net on five shots). Goalie Nolan Hickey faced only 14 shots, saving seven.

Elsewhere

Detroit official site recap. Navy official site recap. Conference press release on Hebden’s award. Game photos. Coach Holtz postgame.

Up Next

Detroit travels to Moon Township, Pa. Saturday afternoon for one of the more winnable games on the early schedule. Bellarmine has knocked off the Colonials already this year, though it was a close game.

There are obviously no sure things – and if there were, this wouldn’t be one of them – but a Titan team that plays its best game of the early season should have a chance to bring the first win of the year back to the Motor City.