For the Boston University men’s lacrosse team, which has shown that its offense can put up 18 goals in an outing, possession remains essential — and a key to attaining the ball is performance at the faceoff X.

It was the battle of defenses Saturday afternoon at Nickerson Field between the Boston University men’s lacrosse team and No. 17 Lehigh University. However, it was Lehigh (8-3, 5-1 Patriot League) that ultimately took the 7-6 win and avenged its loss in the Patriot League quarterfinals last season.