Busting Brackets
Fansided

Duquesne Basketball: 3 takeaways from thrilling OT home win over St. Joe's Hawks

ByTristan Freeman|
Mar 21, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Duquesne Dukes forward David Dixon (2) grabs a second half rebound against the Brigham Young Cougars during the first round of the NCAA Tournament at CHI Health Center Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images
Mar 21, 2024; Omaha, NE, USA; Duquesne Dukes forward David Dixon (2) grabs a second half rebound against the Brigham Young Cougars during the first round of the NCAA Tournament at CHI Health Center Omaha. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images | Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images

After losing to Davidson on the road, Duquesne Basketball came back home to take on a St. Joe’s squad that has the case of being the most talented team in the Atlantic 10. But the Dukes were up early and often, holding onto a halftime lead. 

Yet the Hawks eventually made their comeback, making a run to take its own lead and ultimately, forcing the game to OT. But after a back-and-forth, David Dixon hit a game-winning three-pointer in the final seconds to lead Duquesne to an 85-81 OT win to advance to 2-1 in league play.

Here are some takeaways from the big win for the Dukes.

1. David Dixon’s two-way star performance

In a game where leading forward Jahsean Corbett didn’t make a field goal, Dixon gave the scoring production from the perimeter. He had a season-high 17 points, along with nine blocks and three blocks. All of the blocks came towards the end of regulation and OT to prevent St. Joe’s from scoring.

There also was the period of time in OT where only Dixon could score, keeping the Dukes in the game. In the end, he made the last shot to give Duquesne the win.

2. Tre Dinkins bounce-back game

While Dixon had the big moments to get all the attention, Dinkins led the team with 26 points on 10/20 FG, including four from deep. It was a big bounce-back effort after his scoreless outing against Davidson in the prior game. He and Corbett have become the go-to options for the team, with Dinkins being the lead guy this time around.

3. Clutch FTs made towards the end

The biggest weakness for Duquesne Basketball overall has been at the FT line, ranking in the bottom-20 nationally. But they went 12/14 in the game, including several made clutch shots in OT. Corbett, who was at 42% entering the game, made both in OT to tie it up with a minute left. And Cameron Crawford, who only had 11 attempts total coming into the game, made all four to help get the game into OT.

Even Eli Wilborn, who was 7/17 total on the season, made the final two to make it a 4-point game with a second left. Had they missed any of those shots, the Dukes could’ve lost that game.

Home/Atlantic 10