Duquesne Gets Back to Winning Ways with 91-74 Victory over La Salle

Duquesne used their size in the paint to create high percentage shots, as they broke away for a 91-74 win over La Salle on the road Wednesday night.

The Dukes (19-9 overall, 9-6 Atlantic 10) make it five wins in their last six games since the start of February. This win over the Explorers (13-15 overall, 7-8 Atlantic 10) is the first since 2020. It is also the first win for the Dukes at Tom Gola Arena in Philadelphia, Pa. since 2011, ending a six game losing streak there.

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Duquesne built leads of 12-2 and 20-9 early on in the first half, but La Salle would battle back, using a 19-6 run over six minutes to take a 28-26 lead with 4:26 remaining. Both teams would trade baskets back-and-forth, but Duquesne took the lead, 41-38, going into halftime, thanks to a last second 3-pointer from graduate Rodney Gunn Jr.

The Dukes shot 16-for-26, 61.5% from the field in the first half, but only managed to find themselves up one possession heading into the second half.

A change in offensive strategy benefitted the Dukes, as they switched from shooting outside to focusing their efforts in the paint, which worked to great success.

Despite La Salle keeping it within three points with 14 minutes remaining in the second half, Duquesne built on their lead to around double digits, and kept it there, comfortably, for the rest of the game.

The Dukes outscored the Explorers, 50-36, in that second half. They also made 51.7% of their shots compared to the Explorers’ 35.7% shooting, making for what ended up an easy win.

Duquesne outscored La Salle 52-22 in the paint and 16-9 on second chance points in the victory.

Senior forward Joe Reece had an incredible game, scoring 18 of his 26 career-high points in the second half, while also shooting 11-for-13 from the floor.

Junior forward Tre Williams also played a large part in the victory over the Explorers. He scored 11 of his 14 points in the second half, created six assists, made seven rebounds and two steals. His 14 points scored are the most for him against an A10 opponent and the second most this season and his six assists are a career high.

Junior guard Dae Dae Grant, graduate forward Austin Rotroff and Gunn all scored 10 points each for the Dukes in the win. Rotroff scored in double-digits for the first time against an A10 opponent and only the third time overall this season.

First-year guard Kareem Rozier scored five points, but dished a career high six assists, while also committing no turnovers in the win over La Salle.

Duquesne’s 55.6% shooting and 22 assists against La Salle are the third best and second most in a game this season, respectively.

Duquesne returns home on Sunday, Feb. 26 as they host Davidson for Senior Day, with hopes of making it into the top four of the Atlantic 10 to earn a double-bye in the Tournament in March.