Bracketology 2024: 5 games with early season momentum on the line

Bracketology 2024: 5 games with early season momentum building on the line

GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 11: Kyle Filipowski #30 reacts after a basket by Jeremy Roach #3 of the Duke Blue Devils against the Virginia Cavaliers in the second half of the ACC Basketball Tournament Championship game at Greensboro Coliseum on March 11, 2023 in Greensboro, North Carolina. Duke won 59-49. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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Bracketology Charleston Cougars forward Ante Brzovic Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Charleston (1-0) vs. Duquesne (1-0)

Annapolis, MD, Friday, November 10, 6:00 PM ET, CBS Sports Network

For just the third time since 2008 and fourth in the last 20 years, the Duquesne Dukes (1-0) reached the 20-point plateau. This season Keith Dambrot’s team is hoping to do even better after being picked to finish 4th in the Atlantic 10. On Friday night they take on Charleston as a part of the Veterans Classic in Annapolis. The Cougars have been tabbed as the favorites in the newly branded Coastal Athletic Association. Pat Kelsey’s squad is coming off a session where they won 31 games and were tied with national runner-up San Diego State with under four minutes to play in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

For the Cougars (1-0) this game is about keeping things rolling after squeaking by Iona on Monday night. Even though Charleston is more known for their defense than their offense, returning two of their top scorers from last season, Ante Brzovic and Reyne Smith are big for Pat Kelsey. But, it was Stony Brook transfer Frankie Policelli who had 15 points and eight rebounds on 5-11 shooting. Duquesne enters the game fresh off a 79-77 win over Cleveland State in their opener. The key to Duquesne’s success will come from returning starters Dae Dae Grant and Jimmy Clark III, who combined for 37 against Cleveland State. Another key for Dambrot’s team is the depth thanks to newcomers Dusan Mahorcic, Andrei Savrasov, and the well-traveled Drame twins, Hassan and Fousseyni.

This is a big matchup for both teams who are looking to build off their successes of last season and notch a win that’ll get their 2023-24 season headed in that direction.

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