The Duquesne Dukes are back in the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1977. Their victory over VCU in the Atlantic 10 Championship game secured their spot in the 2024 tournament, marking a historic moment for the program.
The Dukes (11 seed) will play this Thursday, March 21st, taking on the 6th-seeded BYU Cougars in Omaha, Nebraska.
The last time Duquesne danced on the national stage was nearly 50 years ago. Led by future NBA All-Star Norm Nixon, the Dukes clinched the A-10 title and punched their ticket to the Big Dance. Now, under the guidance of head coach Keith Dambrot, Duquesne has rekindled that magic.
BYU’s Offensive Firepower:
The Cougars boast a high-octane offense, averaging over 80 points per game. Senior guard Jaxson Robinson leads the charge, a sharpshooter who can create his own shot and distribute the ball effectively. Junior forward Fousseyni Traore provides a scoring threat inside, while shooters like Trevin Knell and Spencer Johnson surround them. BYU thrives in transition and loves to push the tempo.
However, their defense can be inconsistent at times. They struggle to contain dribble penetration and haven’t faced a team with Duquesne’s defensive intensity all season.
Duquesne’s Defensive Grit:
The Dukes, fresh off their surprise Atlantic 10 championship win, are a defensive force. Led by head coach Keith Dambrot, they play a physical, disruptive brand of basketball. Senior guard Dae Dae Grant spearheads their defensive effort, hounding opposing ball-handlers and creating havoc in the passing lanes. The entire team hustles relentlessly, making it difficult for opponents to get comfortable offensively.
However, Duquesne’s offense can be stagnant at times. They don’t boast a high-scoring attack and rely heavily on their defense to win games.
Prediction:
BYU enters the game favored, but Duquesne shouldn’t be taken lightly. Their championship run has proven they can compete with anyone. If the Dukes can contain BYU’s offense and get some key buckets from their role players, they could pull off an upset. However, BYU’s offensive talent and experience might be too much to overcome.
