Duquesne Basketball is playing its best hoops of the season, currently on a 4-game win streak to move to 7-5 in Atlantic 10 play. Competing with the likes of Dayton and St. Joe’s for a possible 4-seed in the conference tournament, the Dukes need to continue winning to keep pace.
That takes us to Wednesday’s home game against La Salle. The Explorers are 7-18 overall and 3-9 in league play, having lost its last five games. This is still a team what has shown the ability to be competitive, including wins over Dayton and Rhode Island.
Here’s a look at the keys to victoryÂ
1. Who is playing for the Explorers?
It feels like a weird question to ask, but La Salle has been dealing with injuries all throughout the season. In the last game against VCU, they were missing Justin Archer and Jerome Brewer, who averages 11.8 ppg on the season and has been the team’s best player during their wins.
Senior Jaeden Marshall, who leads them with 12.4 ppg, did play the last game despite being questionable to play. But if Brewer and Archer don’t play, that’s even less depth for La Salle to work with, making them vulnerable on the boards.
2. Don’t rely solely on Williams and Guinyard
Duquesne has a strong case for two players on the A-10 all-league teams, with both starting guards averaging around 16.6 ppg and playing their best basketball individually. Still, La Salle has made things difficult for opposing guards with its physicality. While Jimmie Williams and Tarance Guinyard can still have good outings, Duquesne’s advantage with its depth will be important, with guys like Alex Williams and Jake DiMichele capable of providing double-digit outings themselves off the bench.
3. Rebound the ball better
If there’s been one glaring issue for the Dukes as of late, it’s been on the boards. In the two wins over George Washington and St. Bonaventure, Duquesne was out-rebounded by 21 combined, including allowing 24 offensive boards. La Salle, when healthy, is a good rebounding unit, especially on offense.Â
Now, if guys like Brewer aren’t available, La Salle won’t have the same kind of advantage in that category. Still, the Explorers will be aggressive on the boards, and the Dukes will need to watch for that in the game.