Bazelak’s Game-Winning Free Throw Leads Dukes over Temple

Libby Bazelak made a free throw with seven seconds remaining to give Duquesne a 54-53 victory over Temple on Wednesday to wrap up the non-conference portion of the Dukes’ schedule.

Paige Cannon made one of two free throws with 44 seconds left to tie the game, but Temple’s Alliya Butts missed a 3-pointer, Bazelak grabbed the rebound and was fouled 20 seconds later to set up the key free throws to win the game.

Duquesne basketball on Pittsburgh Sports Now is sponsored by The Summit Academy: setting young men on the path to a better future.

Bazelak finished with 12 points, tied with Kadri-Ann Lass and Julijana Vojinovic for the team lead. She also grabbed 10 rebounds for her first double-double of the season.

The Dukes fell behind, 13-9 in the first quarter, before rallying in the second and third quarters to enter the deciding frame tied, 42-42.

HIGHLIGHTS: Dukes Top Temple in Final Seconds; 54-53 #GoDukes pic.twitter.com/PZ19RPfHIw

— Duquesne Women's Basketball (@DuqWBB) January 3, 2019

Both teams struggled to shoot, with the victorious Dukes shooting 31 percent from the floor and Temple shooting 31 percent.

Duquesne forged an advantage from beyond the 3-point arc, where the Dukes were 6 of 20 (30 percent). Bazelak was 3 for 6 from long range, Vojinovic was 2 of 5 and Amanda Kalin was 1 of 3.

The Dukes also took advantage at the free-throw line, taking 16 trips to the charity stripe and coming away with 12 points.

Duquesne (6-7) enters Atlantic-10 play on Saturday with a trip to St. Bonaventure.