Duquesne MBB Displays Continued Progress In OT Triumph
The Duquesne Men’s Basketball Team could not hold onto its 21-point lead but were able to outlast Queens 87-81 in overtime Tuesday night at the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse improving to 3-0 on the season.
John Hugley IV scored a game-high 27 points, on 9-of-12 shooting and grabbed 11 rebounds. Maximus Edwards (16), Dom Aekins (12), Jakub Necas (12) and Tarence Guinyard also achieved double figures.
Duquesne had a 56-32 edge in the paint and 33-13 in bench points. The Dukes shot 50% from the field but missed their first 14 three-point field goals, a streak snapped by an Edwards triple with 12:08 remaining in regulation.
Queens was paced by Yoav Berman’s 22 points as he recovered from quickly picking up two fouls. Nasir Mann (16), Chris Ashby (13) and Avantae Parker (12) all joined him.
Both this Queens game and Friday’s contest with Sacred Heart were part of the Villanova Challenge. Now, Duquesne will play at the tournament hosts Saturday at 8 p.m. in a contest carried by truTV.
It was an ideal start for a Duquesne side which built its lead as Queens made its first shot, then did not convert another for over six minutes. The Royals spent two timeouts but refused to surrender.
Duquesne continued to progress, with Hugley establishing a clear post presence, to the point that he would establish double teams on catches.
A 21-point advantage gave way to 41-32 at halftime.
Duquesne would continue to hold the lead and used energy from a loud David Dixon dunk, but a late effort from Queens saw it lead by one on a Mann trifecta.
The Dukes would answer with Necas burying his first three-point basket of the season, but a second-chance effort tied up the game.
Queens had multiple open looks at the end of regulation but could not find a winner.
Duquesne would separate itself in overtime, making crucial stops and sealing the game at the free throw line.
A longer form article will come before Saturday’s contest against Villanova. What follows are postgame videos with Hugley, Necas and coach Dru Joyce III.
