That is a combined 16 in a row for both programs.   That’s incredible. 

Women game was really never in doubt once they took the lead in the first.   NCAA leading 6 true road wins with 2 other teams.

Last edited by A83 (12/10/2019 9:18 pm)

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.  

Coach Burt in his Twitter interview revealed a crazy stat last night.   The 8 wins have been at 8 different venues.   2 home and 6 road. 

They have played 10 games at 10 different venues.  3 home and 7 away.    The fact they are 8-2 shows the heart of this team.

Yes, the physicality of the team is apparent at all positions, but especially with your guards.  Not to take anything away from the previous guard combo which generated a ton of points, Amanda, Libby and now a healthy Nina Aho, are strong and do not get pushed around.  In fact, all three of them have the ability to score inside while absorbing punishment as well as shoot the three.  That, along with their improved defensive tenacity, is a big reason for the Dukes' success.

I'll speak for myself on this, but I have not seen this kind of physicality and toughness from Duquesne in a long time.  I would not be surprised if Assistant Coach Vanessa's mentoring the guards is contributing to the performance.  A great move to get her on the staff.  

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

I don't think we had any "head cases." I've appreciated every player who has worn the red and blue.

Despite losing two key players (Nina for nearly the entire season and Connor for several games and then was limited upon her return - these were among their best defenders)  AND playing what might have been their toughest schedule in years - last year's team DID win 19 games.  ONE more win might have gotten another NIT bid -  and eased some of this criticism.

Don't really think that their senior year was different from the first three - other than shots which may have fallen in years 1-2-3 did not fall in year 4 and this might have led to the frustration.

Agree with A83's  idea that calling them "Head Cases" is incorrect.

 

A83 wrote:

They deserved the WNIT bid over Dayton.

Although they smacked Dayton fairly good in Head-to-Head -  Dayton's full body of work was probably better -  Also the really lopsided loss to Fordham in one semi-final might have pushed Dayton ahead of DU.