Saturday, when Virginia (15-2) faces Cornell (12-3) in Foxborough, Mass., the Cavaliers will be counting on the Brattons for more than just a few of their crowd-pleasing, ankle-breaking moves.

“They are fun to watch,” said Virginia attack Dan Glading. “They can get separation on any defender.”

The “separation” often causes embarrassment, like when a Johns Hopkins defender was juked to the turf by Shamel Bratton. Earlier in the year, he had a befuddled defender knee walking in a futile attempt to stay close.

The Brattons, also football and basketball stars at Huntington High on Long Island, arrived at Virginia with perhaps as much hype as any prep lacrosse players ever. But their transition was difficult, in part because midfield is the most difficult position to master for incoming freshmen, according to Virginia coach Dom Starsia.

This year, while Shamel (30 goals, 11 assists) blossomed and recently was named All-America, Rhamel (9 goals, 4 assists) was slowed by an injury. When he returned at midseason, Starsia didn’t want to break up his first middie line.

But after losses to Duke, in which Virginia was out-scored, 31-15, it was clear the Cavaliers needed an offensive boost. Rhamel was promoted to the first midfield line. Together in the lineup Sunday, the duo thrived.

“I think we create a lot of tough matchups,” said Shamel Bratton. “Him playing well takes a little pressure off me and allows me to play off-ball more so that I can pass and dodge.”

While Shamel shoots left-handed and Rhamel shoots righty, their skill sets were so similar that Starsia was hesitant to use his two prodigies at the same time. But this weekend, they’ll be fixtures in the starting lineup.

“I think it’s a case of two young guys that are starting to get it,” said Starsia. “Playing with players that are close to their level was probably an adjustment. Learning to play in a team setting is not something you take for granted.”

NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Final Four

No. 2 Syracuse (14-2) vs. No. 3 Duke (15-3)

History » While defending champion Syracuse won its record 10th national championship last year, Duke is trying to crack an exclusive club of just seven schools that have won titles. The Blue Devils have come close, however, getting to the title game in 2005 and 2007, losing both times to Johns Hopkins, by one goal. Duke also lost to Hopkins by one goal in the semis last year.

Last Meeting » Syracuse beat Duke, 10-9, in the 2002 quarterfinals to take a 5-1 lead in the series.

Keys for Syracuse » 1) Defense: This is Syracuse’s best defensive team (7.3 goals per game) since 1970. Can it slow down the nation’s hottest team, led by NCAA scoring leader Ned Crotty (21 goals, 53 assists) and averaging 13.7 during its nine-game winning streak? 2) Goalie: John Galloway, out last week with the flu, was shaky as a freshman last year, but has emerged this season. Playing just his second game in three weeks, will Galloway be sharp?

Keys for Duke » 1) Feel Manley: Blue Devils D Mike Manley was outstanding against UNC star Billy Bitter Sunday. His assignment will likely be Syracuse playmaker Kenny Nims (27 goals, 41 assists). 2) Faceoffs: Syracuse has often struggled, using five different faceoff men. Duke is solid at the X with Sam Payton (55.9 percent).

No. 1 Virginia (15-2) vs. No. 5 Cornell (12-3)

History » Virginia is gunning for its fifth national title and fourth in the last 11 years. Cornell won three of the first seven championships contested, but hasn’t won one since 1977. Virginia lost in the 2008 semifinals, 12-11, to Syracuse. Cornell fell by the same score to Duke in the 2007 Final Four.

Last Meeting » Virginia got 10 goals from its midfield in defeating Cornell, 14-10, on March 8, scoring on 14 of 18 shots on goal. Since then, Cornell has thrived with a new goalie, Jake Myers. Virginia leads series 5-2.

Keys for Cornell » 1) Star Power: In the first meeting, Cornell All-America M Max Siebold and M John Glynn combined for a season-low one goal, largely due to the work of Virginia LSM Mike Timms. 2) Clearing: In the first meeting, Cornell gave away too many possessions (20-of-27) against one of the NCAA’s best riding squads. Last week, Johns Hopkins (16-of-25) also was undone in part by Virginia’s tenacious rides.

Keys for Virginia » 1) Up-tempo: A fast-paced game favors Virginia and its twin speedsters Shamel and Rhamel Bratton. 2) Possession: Chad Gaudet (55.9 percent) is a strong faceoff man and led Virginia to an 18-11 edge in the first meeting. Cornell’s best chance is to win faceoffs and milk the clock.

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