Duquesne WBB holds off Saint Joseph’s, 53-42

McCANDLESS TOWNSHIP, Pa.  — The Duquesne women’s basketball team was able to use a first half in which it largely dominated play to defeat Saint Joseph’s 53-42 Sunday afternoon at LaRoche University’s Kerr Fitness Center.

Libby Bazelak led all scorers with 19 points on 7-of-13 shooting, while also grabbing five rebounds. Laia Sole added 12 points. Angela Staffileno led Duquesne with six rebounds, her highest such total in 2020. Amaya Hamilton also grabbed six rebounds. All nine Duquesne players to see the floor scored while eight grabbed a rebound.

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Katie Jekot’s 16 points led Saint Joseph’s, while Mary Sheehan grabbed 10 rebounds.

Shortly after the game tipped off, Duquesne (16-7, 6-4 Atlantic 10) went on a 10-1 run, opening up to a 12-3 advantage. All of Duquesne’s 12 opening points were scored in the paint as four of the team’s five starters hit the scoresheet during this stretch while successfully executing passes from the top of the key towards cutting Dukes players leading to close-range scores.

On the last basket of the stretch, an Amanda Kalin layup in transition, Saint Joseph’s coach Cindy Grifin called a timeout.

Duquesne would shoot 50% from the field in the first quarter, opening up to a 19-8 lead after 10 minutes of play.

Saint Joseph’s scored the first two baskets of the second quarter before Bazelak drained her second three-point basket of the afternoon to allow Duquesne to re-energize and re-gain control of the game.

Though Duquesne outscored Saint Joseph’s (8-15, 2-9 Atlantic 10) in the quarter, the Hawks had their opportunities at the free throw line, but sank three of its eight attempts.

At halftime, Duquesne held a 35-19 advantage.

As the third quarter began, it was clear that Saint Francis was moving faster, finishing plays on both ends of the ball and winning the majority of 50-50 battles.

Though Saint Joseph’s shot 29.4% from the field, Duquesne was not in sync on either end of the basketball which allowed for the Hawks to cut its deficit to 41-31 after three quarters.

Saint Joseph’s continued its adjustment of limiting paint production, but could only cut the deficit to nine points. Duquesne was able to close the game and earn its third consecutive victory.

ANOTHA ONE 🗣✔️ #GoDukes pic.twitter.com/XqHI3ohRoj

— Duquesne Women's Basketball (@DuqWBB) February 9, 2020

Duquesne next takes to the road for two consecutive contests, first facing Richmond Wednesday evening. Richmond is led by coach Aaron Roussell, who is in his first season with the Spiders.

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