Duquesne Basketball has won four straight games, including its A-10 opener agaisnt Rhode Island. However, the toughest challenge in program history awaits them… a game against Davidson. It doesn’t matter how good or bad the Wildcats are in a given season, the Dukes can’t beat them. Since joining the A-10, Duquesne us 1-14 against Davidson, including losing every road game to this point.
After losing to George Mason this week, the Wildcats are at home, looking to continue its dominance over the reigning conference tournament champs. Here are the keys to Duquesne Basketball finally winning in North Carolina.
1. Slowing down star big Reed Bailey
Davidson always has quality big men, and this year, it’s the 6’10 Bailey who leads the team with 18.1 ppg, 6.6 rpg, and 3.4 apg on 51% shooting from the field. He has five games of at least 20 points, including 20 at George Mason earlier. Duquesne may or may not have Chabi Barre (leg) available, but David Dixon is coming off a strong game against Rhode Island off the bench, while Eli Wilborn is a capable big player as well. The Dukes have done well against bigs who don’t stretch the floor, and dealing with Bailey will play a big role in the team’s chances of winning.
2. Big game from Tre Dinkins
Duquesne’s collective scoring has been working lately, but it might not work if it goes on the road. Assuming Jake DiMichele is still out with a foot issue, the Dukes only have one double-digit scorer in Dinkins, who leads them with 11.1 ppg on 42% shooting from deep. He had 11 on 3/11 FG shooting against Rhode Island, but that might not work against Davidson. If the team needs someone to give them 15+ points, look for Dinkins to be that potential guy.
3. Minimize defensive breakdowns
What Davidson lacks in natural athleticism, they more than make up for it in precision-offense. Led by skilled bigs such as Bailey, their backdoor screens and playcalls to set up open three attempts have been something Duquesne hasn’t been able to solve when they match up.
This is a strong Dukes defense and their size on the perimeter should be able to affect the passing. But how many easy shot attempts they give up with be key in what should be a low-scoring battle.