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Duquesne’s Strong Second Half Leads to 72-58 Win Over Loyola Chicago

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A rollercoaster game went Duquesne’s way as it triumphed 72-58 over Loyola Chicago Wednesday night at the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse.

Duquesne (14-7/4-4 Atlantic 10) was led by Dae Dae Grant’s and Jimmy Clark III’s 13 points. R.J. Gunn added 12 points of his own. Austin Rotroff had eight points and five rebounds in 14 minutes, while filling lanes and altering shots. Tevin Brewer amassed 10 points.

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Quincy McGriff missed this game with an illness.

Loyola (7-13/1-7 A-10) was led by Cal U transfer Phillip Alston who scored 17 of his 25 points in the first half.

The Ramblers opened the contest on a 10-3 run as Duquesne failed to connect on its first four shots from the field, all from three-point range.

The lead would stretch to 11 points in the half, while Duquesne appeared flustered with its timing, throwing a pass off the sideline advertisement board. No one was in the vicinity.

Once again, Duquesne had its struggles from the field, this instance shooting 32.3% from the field and struggled to find consistency.

It was able to cut its deficit to two points as Loyola got in some foul trouble and also made multiple miscues while encountering Duquesne’s press.

Duquesne would again go cold, allowing Loyola to score the final five points in the opening half. It would be a 40-31 Ramblers advantage come halftime.

Duquesne's 2024 March Madness Tournament coverage is sponsored by Leon's Billiards & More, Moon Golf Club and Archie's on Carson! Their contributions have allowed us to cover the Dukes run in Omaha, Nebraska. We appreciate their support!

The Dukes increased their energy at the beginning of the second half burying two three-point shots and forcing four Loyola fouls, all of which were on Ramblers post players.

Duquesne would cool off, but with Bryce Golden on the bench with four fouls and Tom Welch, another post option with three fouls, the Dukes were able to generate some offense.

When Gunn buried a midrange jumper, the Dukes were on a 10-0 run, where the Ramblers scoreless streak hit 6:49.

Loyola would briefly strike back, but Rotroff’s movement led to Joe Reece finding him twice for baskets, allowing Duquesne to regain control.

Another Duquesne scoreless streak, saw Loyola capitalize to the tune of a 7-0 run over 3:16, taking the lead back once again.

Grant then went on a scoring streak of his own, burying a jump shot, then after Rotroff altered a Loyola shot, the guard created separation and took a three-point shot.

Loyola attempted to generate a comeback as Marquise Kennedy converted an and-one play, but he missed the free throw and a double-teamed Rotroff found an open Gunn for a dagger three to secure victory.

Duquesne returns to the road for its next two contests, beginning with Saturday’s 4 p.m. tilt at Massachusetts. That contest will be carried by ESPN+.

Sandy Schall, Coldwell Banker
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