I think Duquesne is playing about as well as it can, given the talent level.  Perhaps some favorable match-ups in the A-10 Conference could put the Dukes in a position like they were last season to compete for the title and an NCAA bid. I do believe they are a better team, both inside and on the perimeter, so anything is possible.
 

Two keys to the La Salle game: 1) Watch La Salle's post.  If she is not as athletic or aggressive as GW's post, then Laia has a good opportunity to get better position down low, which will typically result in more accurate close-in shots.  2) Laia's improved shot selection should free up the defense a bit. Hopefully there will be less pressure (defensively), allowing Duquesne's guards to get more uncontested 3-point shots.  

If those two things happen, I predict a Duquesne win tomorrow.
 

Oregon, Louisville and Texas A&M, the three schools that defeated Oklahoma State decisively, are all top 10 teams.  The Cowgirls may surprise, but I don't see them contending for the Big-12 title.  As dominating as the Cowgirls looked against Duquesne, their nature of their 3 losses tells you what a gap there is between the Oklahoma States of the world and the truly 'big dogs' in the country. 

I hope you are right that their loss does not affect them mentally as they head into Conference play.  This (still) relatively young team may, in fact, be just fine.  On the other hand, last season's 2 opening road losses to TCU and Texas did affect the team's confidence because that team was pegged to be the A-10 Conference leader.

The good news for the Dukes is (1) expectations going into this season were much lower, (2) they exceeded non-conference expectations by winning 10 in a row and (3) they now know they can compete and defeat teams that have relatively similar talent, as are most teams in the A-10.

I think they bounce back and hopefully start a new winning streak.
 

Wonderful news about Libby.  She RARELY forces 3-point attempts.  

I watched your team on espn1.  Duquesne played Kennesaw State's game for three quarters, then (once again like the St. Francis comeback), put their foot on the gas and dominated the fourth.

Kennesaw State's posts were superior to the Dukes' in terms of athleticism and skill sets, but Duquesne's perimeter players outplayed their guards.

The final stats were not available when I posted this, but (clearly), the most valuable player on the court was Libby Bazelak.  She does it all: score, pass, rebound; but most-importantly, do the little things that give Duquesne the edge at the end of the game.  

Oklahoma State will be a different challenge on Monday, but for now, time to celebrate! 10 in a row is quite an accomplishment for this very young team.  Congratulations!

Agree with A83 about Sole and Canon.  Paige has the best RELEASE of the ball (among the Dukes) at the foul line.  When you think of the foul shots Laia missed, she would have scored over 40.

I would bet Coach Dan talked to the team about their poor defense against St. Francis who exploited the Dukes' man to man as too many players got easy or uncontested shots at the rim.  The zone worked slightly better but I wonder why Duquesne's perimeter players did not have their hands up- like they did against Cornell.

The other comparison I will make is that in the Cornell game, against a very physical team, the Duquesne players (defensively) played up in their faces, crouched, and were very responsive to Cornell's motion offfense.  St. Francis ran a poor man's version of a motion offense but often caught Duquesne flat-footed.  I'm hopeful that when the game film is reviewed, the coaches will point out the difference and get the players' attention.

I wonder if we might see a 3-2 zone somewhere down the line instead of a 2-3?

Coming from behind in the 4th quarter was admirable and remaining mentally tough against an inferior opponent is not the easiest thing to do.  Was this a 'trap' game?  Hopefully this was a good lesson about the importance of consistency, no matter who the opponent is.

9 in a row (no matter how it's done) is quite an accomplishment.  Congratulations to the Dukes!  Keep rolling!

 

Agree. Have said for awhile that Hamilton has the potential to be your superstar.  Dan believes she can be someone special.  

Most of you have watched the team more than me, since I am out in California, but from my perspective, the best defensive game Duquesne has played on the road this season against a quality opponent who was very physical.  The Dukes matched their physicality.  

I have complained about Duquesne's man-to-man defense in the past and though there were a few lapses, their man-to-man has improved significantly.

They are playing like a tough road warrior team.  Their offense is now multi-dimensional.  They can shoot threes, but they're not relying on the 3-ball as their primary weapon (a huge improvement).  They can post inside and drive to the hoop.  

Most-importantly; they are playing with attitude.  

Continuous improvement leads to positive results. Strong performances from two front-line players, good shooting percentages and few turnovers are typically good signs for a Duquesne team.

Six in a row. Congrats.

For an athletically-challenged team, their mental toughness was superior to Lafayette's.

With all due respect, I would never call their (current) zone formidable, but it made Lafayette have to work harder to get their shots off and limited the number of uncontested drives to the basket.  Hopefully the zone can be a little tighter (OR), create more pressure on the outside to make their opponents more uncomfortable..

Your freshman, Hamilton, is (potentially) a future dominating player.

Good luck against Pittsburgh.  Hope you get 4 in a row.

I am out in California and will be attending Stanford women's season opener so I (unfortunately) can't watch the Dukes' game with Kent State.

Someone please let me know if Bernada Rreshpja gets in the game.  I had assumed all this time that Dan would redshirt her, but after reading her player bio, I got the sense that she indeed will be available.

I'm cautiously excited about her potential as a #2 guard.

Hoping for a strong win tonight.

From what I've heard:  Vanessa is already having a positive impact with the players.  Nina Aho and Laia are poised to be the players Dan and the coaches thought they would be when recruited.  Another encouraging note- the offense Duquesne will run may likely be different than in past seasons to better fit the size, length and talent.

I am hopeful that will translate into more post play, better post defense and better rebounding.  

Also hopeful that Amaya Hamilton, with her 6'2 length and athleticism, will develop into a dominating player; something Duquesne needs to become a contender.

The lack  of a true home court will be a significant challenge, especially early.  I don't see a high scoring team, but perhaps a better defensive team and like Skeptic Al says- defense wins championships.  Would love to see a zone variation now that the eventual lineup might be bigger across the front line and the perimeter.

Final note-  If Duquesne (collectively) can substantially reduce ill-advised shots, look more for open players with better shots,  reduce guard penetration into the paint on defense and rebound the ball more effectively, this team may become an A10 surprise.