Busting Brackets
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Duquesne Basketball: Ranking the 13 non-con opponents for 2023-24 season

By Tristan Freeman

Nov 11, 2022; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; The Duquesne Dukes celebrate a three point basket during the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2022; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; The Duquesne Dukes celebrate a three point basket during the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports /
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Bradley Braves guard Duke Deen Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Bradley Braves guard Duke Deen Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

8. UC-Irvine Anteaters

2022-23 season record: 23-12 (15-5 Big West)

Irvine has been a mainstay at the top of the Big West for the past decade. But after losing its two best scorers (Dawson Baker and DJ Davis) to the transfer portal, they could be as vulnerable as ever. Starting point guard Pierre Cockrell is back to run the offense, along with the starting frontcourt duo of Bent Leuchten and Devin Tillis. They have the size to compete with the Dukes but need to find some perimeter scoring to have a chance.

7. Marshall Thundering Herd

2022-23 season record: 24-8 (13-5 Sun Belt)

Duquesne Basketball has lost two straight to the region foes, who not only lost a pair of 20 ppg scorers (Andrew Taylor and Taevion Kinsey but also freshman center an All-Sun Defensive big man, Micah Handlogten. It’s a team that could take a step back but they do return a pair of key starters in forward Obinna Anochili-Killen and guard Kamdyn Curfman, who averaged 11.4 ppg on 40% shooting from deep.

6. Stony Brook Seawolves

2022-23 season record: 11-22 (6-12 CAA)

After a rough first year in the CAA after moving from the America East, the Seawolves are hoping to rebound with an improved roster. Frankie Policelli transferred to another team on this list but the next three returning scorers are back, including Tyler Stephenson-Moore. Two key newcomers to watch include 6’6 forward Andre Snoddy (9.5 ppg and 8.4 rpg at Central Connecticut) and Aaron Clarke, who previously scored 16.0 ppg two years ago at Sacred Heart.

5. Bradley Braves

2022-23 season record: 25-10 (16-4 MVC)

Losing their best player (Rienk Mast) will sting but the Braves have plenty of returning talent to remain a contender in the Missouri Valley Conference. Forward Malevy Leons (11.1 ppg and 6.0 rpg) will be featured even more in the frontcourt, while starting guards Duke Deen and Connor Hickman are back as well. If Marquette transfer Emarion Ellis can have a big impact offensively, this team will be a handful for Duquesne to deal with.

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