Duquesne finished its non-con campaign with a record of 8-5, having plenty of ups and downs. But after blowout wins over Canisius and non-D1 Cleary, the Dukes have some momentum heading into the start of Atlantic 10 play. And they take on an impossible challenge to open things up.
That’s a road trip to play Davidson (8-4), a place the Dukes haven’t won at since the Wildcats joined the A-10 a decade ago. Last year was their closest in a single-digit defeat, but can Duquesne find a way to upset Davidson?
Here are three keys to the game for the Dukes.
1. Frontcourt play without John Hugley
Duquesne has been without starting center Hugley (15.4 ppg and 5.6 rpg) for the last three games, which has been a “coach’s decision”. Assuming he remains absent, the Dukes will need the rest of the frontcourt to play well on both ends against a fairly skilled Wildcats frontcourt. David Dixon will likely start, with freshman Lazar Milosevic and junior forward Stef van Bussel taking the backup minutes in case of any foul trouble.
While not having Hugley will hurt the offense, he could’ve been a liability on defense, given how Davidson runs its offense. It’ll also help to have Jakub Necas, a versatile forward who missed the last meeting between these teams a year ago in the frontcourt as well.
2. Which Davidson player is the most important to focus on?
The Wildcats are a balanced offensive team, with six players averaging between 8 and 10.4 ppg. But with no true stars or go-to guys, the Dukes will have to defend everyone collectively. One player who has come on as of late is Roberts Blums, a 6’4 shooting guard who averages 9.9 ppg on 39% from 3-point range off the bench.
After a slow start, Blums has five double-digit scoring games in his last seven outings, including 11 points against Saint Mary’s. Duquesne also has a good bench and will need to counter the likes of Blums when the second units clash.
3. Finding that 3rd double-digit scorer to pair with Guinyard and Williams
With Hugley likely out, it’s an obvious key that the starting backcourt duo of Guinyard (15.8 ppg and 5.2 apg) and Williams (14.7 ppg and 4.3 rpg) has to play well for Duquesne. But that may not be enough to get that elusive road win at Davidson.
They’ll need a third to come through, and luckily, there are options. Max Edwards is one of the better 6th Men in the A-10, while Cam Crawford is a capable 3 and D wing. There are also Alex Williams and Jake DiMichele, two players who have returned from long-term injuries to have an impact off the bench, including some double-digit outings. If the Dukes can get that on the road, they’ll have a chance to beat Davidson.