The Dukes are 17-9 (7-6 in A10) with three games remaining. This has to be thought of as a successful season at this point in time. With a break here and there and a little better consistency, the team could have won five of the six conference games they lost. This bodes well for the A10 tourney since there is no truly dominant team (even Dayton is quite beatable).

For the final three games, trusting in the “big” line-up could pay real dividends. In the last game against URI, they were bigger at every position and bullied the Dukes in the first half. When we countered with our two big freshmen with Paige and/or Laia, the game turned. The aggressive zone forced URI outside more and the blocked shots took away their drives. With the big line-up, we move the ball better and the two true guards have a chance at better looks from three. We know Libby is an excellent shooter, Keirsten is at 40%, and Amanda is at 35%.  Better defense, more ball movement, good looks from three, all the more reasons to go big. The A10 likes to play smaller line-ups. Our big line-up causes match-up problems. We have pretty consistently out-rebounded teams (Libby is tremendous from the guard position). With any combination of Laia, Page, Precious, and Amaya on the floor, our rebounding is even better, especially if Laia and Precious are on the floor together. It also opens up Paige who is 37% from the three line.

It is understandable that we start three guards because they are amongst our better players. But, with only two of these guards on the floor, we force teams to adjust to us. That has to be a good thing. Love to see three wins for another 20 win season. Go Dukes!