Pittsburgh — The Duquesne Dukes (3-4, 0-0 A10) snapped a two-game home losing streak by defeating the American Eagles (2-5, 0-0 Patriot) 88-79 Sunday at the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse. It was the most amount of points the Dukes have scored this season.
Duquesne shot 58% from the field – the second best regular-season shooting percentage under Keith Dambrot. The Dukes, a team that has historically lived and died beyond the arc, completed only four three-pointers on 10 attempts.
Duquesne jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead thanks to a jumper and a free throw by Tre Williams. American went on a 14-5 run. It was the only lead Duquesne had until Primo Spears hit a three-point shot with 2 seconds left in the first half to take a 38-37 lead.
That shot was the catalyst for a comeback that never looked back. The closest the Eagles ever came to their own comeback was when Stacy Beckton hit two free throws to bring American within a point to a 43-42 score. But a layup and free throw from Leon Ayers kept the Dukes ahead for good.
Duquesne had four players in double digit points. Ayers (23), Spears (21), Easley (14), and Williams (13) all hit at least five shots. Spears notched 6 steals, one shy of the single-game program record. Ayers and Easley each grabbed 6 rebounds as well.
Duquesne will have a quick turnaround as they face Bowling Green on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021 at 7 p.m. at the Cooper Fieldhouse.
MAJOR FOCUS: DUQUESNE VERSUS AMERICAN
