Lewis Hits Last Second 3 to Beat Lamar, 65-64

When Duquesne hired Keith Dambrot, it came with a lot of optimism and renewed energy for the basketball program.

Eleven games into the Dambrot Era, things are probably schedule as the Dukes are now 8-3 following tonight’s exciting 65-64 win over Lamar (8-3).

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Sophomore star Mike Lewis hit a 3-point shot with nine seconds left to put Duquesne by one point. Lewis scored eight points in the final 1:59 to erase a seven point deficit.

WHAT. A. COMEBACK! Mike Lewis II in the clutch #Icewater pic.twitter.com/Q3oFwzQwac

— Duquesne Basketball (@DuqMBB) December 20, 2017

Credit the Duquesne defense in crunch time as they made three straight defensive stops down the stretch.

In fact, the defense under Dambrot has been impressive. The Dukes are holding opponents to 62.7 PPG, the lowest since 1961-62 when they allowed 61.1 PPG.

Like they did on Sunday vs. NC A&T, Duquesne’s veteran leaders stepped up. Rene Castro-Caneddy scored 15 points while Tarin Smith chipped in 11 points.

Rene Castro-Caneddy (4) guards Torey Noel (10) as the Duquesne Dukes took on Lamar December 19, 2017 — DAVID HAGUE

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The Dukes once again won the battle of the boards, 40-32, with Jordan Robinson and Kellon Taylor each grabbing nine boards apiece.

Tonight’s win pushed Duquesne’s winning streak to six games, their longest since winning 11 straight back in the 2010-11 season.

One other interesting note from the Duquesne media department. Tonight was Duquesne’s sixth win in the month of December. That’s their most wins in that month since going 7-1 back in 1979-80.

The Dambrot era is off to a winning start.

HIGHLIGHTS: Lewis II Caps Dukes' Comeback with Clutch 3; Extends Win Streak to 6 Games #GoDukes pic.twitter.com/yIddH1cBhq

— Duquesne Basketball (@DuqMBB) December 20, 2017

Next up is the first road trip of the season as they head to Las Vegas for the final two games of the Continental Tire Las Vegas Classic. Friday night Duquesne takes on San Francisco and on Saturday will face Southern Illinois. Both games tip-off at 8:30 PM EST.

POSTGAME