No. 7 Duke pulls away after halftime to defeat Jacksonville 16-10 in Durham nonconference lacrosse game

Duke’s second-half surge decides Saturday matchup

No. 7 Duke used a decisive second half to separate from Jacksonville University and secure a 16-10 nonconference men’s lacrosse win on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in Durham, North Carolina. After a back-and-forth opening 30 minutes, Duke outscored Jacksonville 8-4 after halftime, pairing improved defensive pressure with more efficient possession outcomes.

The first half featured frequent momentum shifts, including three lead changes and five ties. Jacksonville struck first, but Duke answered quickly and eventually took an 8-6 lead into the break after closing the half with two unanswered goals. A late-sequence score created by a transition push in the final seconds of the second quarter proved to be a turning point, extending Duke’s advantage before intermission.

Johnston leads scoring; turnovers and ground balls shape the game

Duke attackman Benn Johnston finished with five goals, providing the offensive anchor as Duke built its lead in stages. Max Sloat added three goals, while Thomas Mencke recorded four points (two goals, two assists). Duke’s scoring depth showed across the final 25 minutes, when multiple players contributed during runs that widened the margin.

Defensively, Duke limited Jacksonville to 10 goals on 30 shots and forced 22 turnovers. The Blue Devils’ pressure disrupted Jacksonville’s rhythm, particularly after the break when Duke’s lead expanded from two goals to multiple possessions. Seniors Aidan Maguire and Charlie Johnson were central to that effort, combining for seven caused turnovers and five ground balls. Maguire also contributed two assists.

At the faceoff spot, Duke’s Cal Girard won 14 of 26 draws and collected six ground balls, helping Duke manage possession in key stretches. Freshman Will Pedicano also finished with six ground balls and a caused turnover, adding support in the midfield and defensive transition game.

Jacksonville keeps pace early, but Duke controls the final quarter-hour

Jacksonville remained within reach into the third quarter, briefly closing the gap after Duke made it 9-6 early in the period. Duke responded with a sustained push over the final 25 minutes, turning a tight contest into a six-goal result. Jacksonville was led by Daylin John-Hill, who scored three times.

Score by halves: Duke led 8-6 at halftime and won the second half 8-4.

Goalkeeping and what the result means

In goal, Duke’s Patrick Jameison made 10 saves, while Jacksonville goalkeeper Ryan Della Rocco recorded 11. The outcome extended Duke’s series edge against Jacksonville to 14-2 and reinforced a pattern in this matchup: Jacksonville can challenge Duke early, but controlling possessions and limiting mistakes becomes decisive as the game progresses.

• Final score: Duke 16, Jacksonville 10
• Date/site: Feb. 21, 2026 — Durham, North Carolina
• Key stat: Duke forced 22 turnovers
• Top scorer: Benn Johnston (Duke) — 5 goals