Team Effort Leads To Duquesne’s First Win, 81-68 Over UNC Greensboro

UNC Greensboro’s Mohammed Abdulsalam was swarmed by two Duquesne defenders and before he could react, his pivot foot came up as the official blew his whistle signaling a traveling call.

On UNC Greensboro’s next trip down the court, Duquesne drew a charge. A couple of possessions later, Marcus Weathers scored a dunk which fired the Dukes up. Immediately after, the Spartans were called for a turnover, only increasing Duquesne’s momentum.

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Monday evening, Duquesne coach Keith Dambrot challenged his team, specifically his veterans to raise their game and even with Maceo Austin out with the flu, the Dukes earned their first win of the season, an 81-68 triumph over UNC Greensboro.

Duquesne (1-1) had four players achieve double-figure point totals. Senior guard Tavian Dunn-Martin recorded 21 points and was 4-of-6 on his three-point shots. That was Dunn-Martin’s eighth career 20 point game and his four steals also tied a career high.

Senior forward Marcus Weathers concluded play with 18 points and seven rebounds. Junior guard Sincere Carry got into the act with his 15 points and was 8-for-11 from the free-throw line. Senior center Michael Hughes achieved a game consisting of 14 points and 10 rebounds off the bench, good for his first double-double of the season and eighth of his career.

Duquesne also outscored UNC Greensboro 25-3 at the free-throw line.

Weathers can't be denied‼️#GoDukes pic.twitter.com/M2YdNOy3Qq

— Duquesne Basketball (@DuqMBB) December 3, 2020

UNC Greensboro (1-2) was led by guard Isaiah Miller’s game-high 22 points on 11-of-20 shooting. Forward Angelo Allegri added 14 points and guard A.J. McGinnis 13.

Duquesne came out strong scoring the game’s opening seven points and immediately challenging a UNC Greensboro opponent which had played less than 24 hours prior to match its energy.

Even when UNC Greensboro brought its first-half deficit down to four points in the early going, it was Duquesne’s returners which went on a 6-0 run earned entirely at the free throw line.

Despite with a higher energy and possessing more aggression, Duquesne largely avoided fouling, while its opponent did not recording 11 whistles. Duquesne was 13-for-17 from the free throw line, recording a 76.5% success rate, while the Spartans comparatively took four free throws.

Though UNC Greensboro did tie the contest in the first half as Duquesne recorded multiple offensive lulls, but the Dukes quickly rebounded as Michael Hughes made a layup six seconds after the deadlocked score and Weathers capitalized on a turnover with a dunk,

Duquesne retained control from there leading 42-33 at the half.

AND ONE 😤💪#GoDukes pic.twitter.com/c5F4c1S5Cv

— Duquesne Basketball (@DuqMBB) December 3, 2020

It was also a strong start to the second half for Duquesne as it opened on an 8-2 run which included Dunn-Martin making a step-back three-point shot.

The advantage stretched Duquesne’s advantage into double digits which was not surrendered for the entire half.

Duquesne will attempt to carry this momentum into Friday’s game against Winthrop, which currently is scheduled for an 11 a.m. tip.