In the recent history between Duquesne and St. Bonaventure, the Dukes have had the advantage, winning five straight games at one point, including last year’s semifinal matchup in the Atlantic 10 Tournament. Duquesne won that, and the next game to become reigning tournament champions and also won at home earlier this season.
However, the Bonnies ended the skid with a close win at their home. The two teams finished in the middle of the standings, each getting a first-round bye in the conference tournament. Now, only one moves on after Thursday, when they face off in a second-round battle.
Here are some key storylines to watch for the game.
1. Jakub Necas vs Lajae Jones
The 6’7 wing has played a big part for the Bonnies, averaging nearly 11 ppg and shooting 41% from three-point range. In the first game against Duquesne, he only had 11 points on 3/10 shooting. But in the next matchup, Jones tied a career-high with 24 points, making 4/6 from deep. That was the game that Necas, Duquesne’s 6’10 versatile wing defender, was out due to injury. He’ll be back, making that individual matchup very important in deciding the outcome.
2. St. Bonaventure’s 3-point risk
The Bonnies are unique in that they, themselves, don’t shoot a ton of threes but give up plenty to their opponents, though they don’t always make them. St. Bonaventure allows around 27 three-point attempts per game, and we’ve seen the Dukes be more than willing to take a lot of threes as well. If they find a way to make 10+, the Bonnies will be in some real trouble.
3. Duquesne’s second scoring option
The Dukes have just one double-digit scoring option on the roster in Tre Dinkins, who averages 13 ppg. They do have six others who are putting up 6 points or more, but the inconsistencies have proven to be an issue for them. Cam Crawford has been the closest thing to a steady second guy, but he only puts up around 8-10 ppg. Maximus Edwards has several 20+ point outings off the bench, but he also can put up a goose egg and be a non-factor. And if guys like Necas and Matus Hronsky aren’t making threes, they won’t be scoring much either. Even if Dinkins goes off, the Dukes need someone to join him to make a run in the Atlantic 10 Tournament.