Three editions of the NCAA Division I Lacrosse Championship were contested before a separate championship was established for Division II programs. In addition, two USILA "small college" tournaments were held in 1972 and 1973.
Towson State defeated Hobart in the final, 18−17 (in double overtime), to win their only national title. Wayne Eisenhut scored his fifth goal with 6 seconds left in the first overtime to win the game. Towson scored 7 goals in the final period to tie the game and send it into overtime. Eisenhut scored the final two goals in overtime for Towson (there was no sudden death overtime in this final). Hal Draffen scored 8 goals for Hobart in the game, while Hobart all-timer Rick Gilbert finished the DII tournament as the leading scorer with 20 goals. Towson defeated two NCAA Division I tournament teams, #5 seed UVA and #7 seed Hofstra during the regular season.
Qualification
All Division II men's lacrosse programs were eligible for this championship with a total of eight teams invited.