Although they fought back from an early 17-point deficit, Duquesne Basketball ultimately lost 77-72 at home to Lipscomb to open the season. The competition only gets tougher for the Dukes, taking on the Princeton Tigers in Trenton, New Jersey, for the "Jersey Jam" matchup.
Duquesne is familiar with this team, having lost to them by a few points at home last season. Can they get revenge closer to their stomping grounds? Here's a look at three keys to watch for Friday's game.
1. Defending Caden Pierce and Xavian Lee
The good news for Duquesne is that the guy who torched them most last season (Matt Allocco), transferred out to Notre Dame. The bad news is the other guy is back in point guard, Xaivan Lee. He scored 20 points against the Dukes and averaged 17.1 ppg last season. He had 27 points and six assists in Princeton's season-opening win over Iona.
The other star for Princeton is Pierce, the 6'6 forward who averaged 16.6 ppg, 9.2 rpg, and 3.2 apg, earning Ivy League Player of the Year honors. The all-around playmaker had a big game versus Iona, producing 18 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. After giving up 30 points and 10 rebounds against forward Jacob Ognacevic, how Duquesne defends Pierce will be a big key.
2. Bigger impact from Jacob Necas
One of the more surprising starters on opening night was Necas, a sophomore forward who not only played a big role in Duquesne's A-10 postseason run but also led the U20 European Tournament for the Czech Republic. However, in 28 minutes against Lipscomb, he finished with two points on 0/3 shooting, though he did have seven rebounds.
There's an overall impact that Necas provides that warrants him being on the floor. But after showing that he can score on the international level, just two points was surprising. Let's see where he stands in the offensive gameplan on Game D.
3. Getting inside more often
Duquesne's defense wasn't good at all in the first half against Lipscomb but what also didn't help was them losing the shot-making battle, being cold early from the field. When the team made its comeback, they priortized getting to the basket, led by Jahsean Corbett and Eli Winborn, who had eight points in 11 minutes off the bench, all while dealing with foul trouble.
The Dukes have shot-makers but they also have physical bigs. And with Princeton's frontcourt being just 6'8 and 6'6, they need to take advantage. If they're disciplined enough, they'll avoid another slow start.