Welcome to The Top Shelf Spread, your ultimate guide to gambling picks throughout the college lacrosse season. Each week, we’ll break down the top matchups, dive into the most exciting games, and deliver our expert takes on the best bets. Whether you’re riding the moneyline, chasing spreads, or hunting for hidden value, we’ve got you covered.
#8 Johns Hopkins vs. #10 Denver (+1.5) | O/U 22.5
Saturday, February 1 | 2 PM
The college lacrosse season kicks off with a heavyweight clash between two storied programs, Johns Hopkins and Denver. Typically a late-season matchup, this game brings early-season excitement as both teams look to set the tone for their campaigns. Last year's thriller saw Denver edge Hopkins in overtime, so expect another tightly contested battle.
Denver leads the all-time series 2-0, with wins in 2011 and 2024. Matt Brown’s offense will lean heavily on junior attackman Cody Malawsky, who is poised to take on a leading role. The Pioneers will benefit from a home-field advantage at the high-altitude Peter Barton Stadium, where their fans will be out in force. The Blue Jays return two stars in Matt Collison, one of the nation's top midfield scorers, and Russell Melendez, a dynamic attackman who can ignite the offense. But just like any other college team, the Jays will face some offensive uncertainty after losing key contributors to graduation. This game will also mark Hopkin's; first without former offensive coordinator John Crawley, which raises questions about how their offense will adapt. Against Denver’s disciplined and experienced defense, the Blue Jays will need to find their rhythm early. The Pioneers also have an edge in goal, with their starting goalie
Malcolm Kleban returning, while Hopkins breaks in a new netminder. With both defenses returning several key players, Denver will need its young offensive players to capitalize on any cracks in the Blue Jays' armor. This game feels like it could go down to the wire again. With Denver’s altitude advantage, experienced goalie, and a packed stadium, they look like the better bet to cover the spread at +1.5. Scoring opportunities will be limited, making the under 22.5 goals an appealing pick.
Pick: Denver +1.5 | Under 22.5 goals
Richmond (+4.5) vs. #5 Maryland | O/U 22.5
Saturday, February 1 | 12 PM
The Terps are back, and head coach John Tillman isn’t easing his squad into the season. Maryland opens with a tough opponent in Richmond, a team known for giving powerhouses a scare. The Spiders, led by head coach Dan Chemotti, won’t make this easy for the Terps, and this matchup has all the makings of a gritty, low-scoring battle. Maryland’s offense enters 2025 with some big shoes to fill. While they return their top two scorers, Eric Spanos and Braden Erksa, much of the supporting cast will feature fresh faces. One name to watch is transfer Jack Dowd, who will bring versatility to the Terps’ midfield unit. Richmond boasts a veteran defense and an experienced goalie, giving them a fighting chance to frustrate Maryland’s offense. History may not favor the Spiders, but they’ve come close before—averaging 9.25 goals per game against Maryland and keeping past matchups tight. The Spiders are no strangers to punching above their weight. With Gavin Creo stepping in to replace 2024 leading scorer Dalton Young, Richmond’s offense will look to stay sharp. They’ll also lean on returning key piece Aidan O’Neal, who was instrumental to their success last year. Maryland’s defense remains a fortress, returning nearly all starters except for standout Ajax Zappitello. This continuity should keep the Spiders’ offense in check. The Terps have historically dominated this matchup, going 4-0 against Richmond, but three of those games were decided by a single goal, with two needing double overtime. This game will
likely hinge on the “little things.” Winning faceoffs, clearing effectively, and converting on man-up chances will be critical. Both teams emphasize these fundamentals, but Maryland’s depth and discipline could give them the edge. Neither team plays particularly fast, favoring methodical possessions to involve everyone in the offense. With both teams easing into the season, don’t expect a shootout. Maryland has the firepower to pull away late, and their defensive consistency should keep Richmond from mounting an upset. While the Spiders will put up a fight, expect the Terps to cover the -4.5 spread. Given the slower tempo and early-season rust, the under 22.5 goals is the safer play.
Pick: Maryland -4.5 | Under 22.5 goals