Not only haven't they played many games away from home, they are almost always a very different team on the road than at home. That's been true this year too. They've only played five games away from Chaifetz, but those five games include the only two times they scored less than their opponents allow on average and two of the six times they allowed more than their opponents score on average.

The defense will be challenged for sure. It's been better the past couple times out, but those were fairly low tempo teams. This one could turn into a track meet because the Billikens like to run just as much as we do. We'll need to play fast, but not rush and turn the ball over.

We played them tough at their place last year. They're certainly a better team this year, but we've got home court this time around. I won't go as far as to pick a Dukes win, but I do think we cover. I'll say SLU 83 Duquesne 80.

Last edited by luckymcd (1/20/2026 3:10 am)

Difficult matchup tonight. SLU statistically top 20 in multiple categories. I expect SLU willl cover the spread. After watching the Dayton/Chicago Loyola game Dr. G explained that point differential is a major component for a team receiving an at large bid. In that game Dayton keep their starters into the game with a minute remaining. Hopefully George Mason & SLU keep up their wins so the A10 can get 2 to 3 bids. A10 tournament at the PPG  center is the time for the Dukes to run the table in their backyard.Would love to see an upset tonight. Go Dukes

According to ESPN, Duquesne has a 15% chance to win.

The line has dropped from 10.5 to 8.5. I think it will drop to 7.5 before game time. We'll see. I think the Dukes come up big tonight. They haven't played nearly to their ceiling in any game so far this season, but seem to be playing better defense the last two. Dixon needs to stay out of foul trouble. Careful with the screens on offense and keep the arms up defensively. Less reaching in as the refs will never give em the benefit of the doubt. I wonder what crap reffing crew were getting tonight lol

I have been racking my brain to come up with an innovative & erudite game plan that will guarantee a Dukes victory.

Unfortunately, all I have come up with so far is St. Louis totally overlooking the competition & shooting horribly while the Dukes play their most complete game of the season & enjoy the fruits of a favorable whistle on their home court.

More unlikely things happen every day. This would be an incredible win for this year's team & the program. Go Dukes!!!

George Mason has a record of 18-1 & is ranked 71st on KenPom. You have to go all the way down to Nebraska at 13th before you get to a team with a better record. Northwestern & Providence both have losing records & rank higher than Mason. I know that Mason's non-con schedule was terrible, but surely they are dozen spots better than #72, 12-7 GW who they just beat.

FAM wrote:

According to ESPN, Duquesne has a 15% chance to win.

It's up to 15.7%. !! 

Hmmm...that could be the difference! .07%...you never know.

Tough loss but they played hard.  They haven’t really reached their potential yet.  I’m thinking this team gets better and will be competitive come A10 tournament time.  If a few things start to click on offense as a team they will be harder to beat as their D gets better every game.

Hard seeing so many missed shots at the end but the effort was there.

My take on this one. Very winnable game. USL is good, but not much better. Dixon was a beast. Necas still doesn't go strong to the hoop which is bewildering at this point in his career. TG had an off game with I'll advised turnovers and Jimmie will be getting paid big time next year. Dukes lost a lot of the loose ball plays. Got a dive more. And my last take the refs sucked again. Dunlap didn't even get touched on that inbounds play at 78-77. Total embellishment but Dru didn't seem to complain. Got to complain about those calls if you want them in the future. Team seems frustrated he doesn't have their backs on calls. You can see it. Especially with Dixon, Jimmie, and Alex. Not a good sign. 

FAM wrote:

STOP PLAYING CRAWFORD!!!!!!!!

Don't understand the love affair with Crawford. Doesn't bring much offensively. A one trick pony hanging out at three point line with no one guarding him, I'd be playing Hall who is much quicker defensively or Edwards who brings out the opposing defense or anybody who can hit a shot above him at this point. Don't see the defensive prowess Joyce lauds him for. Seems to me he is caught out of position defensively every other time down the court. Just too soft for my liking. Make a steal once in a while. Root for the guy but just so frustrating much like Necas offensively. 

Edwards got yanked because of his poor shot selection, lazy passing, & general disregard for defense. In 16 minutes, he went 1-5 from the field, 1-3 from the FT line, had 0 rebounds, assists, steals, & blocks & 1 turnover. His efficiency rating for the game was -3. Every other player on the team had a positive efficiency rating in a losing effort.
I have less & less faith that Dru will get it done at DU, but I disagree with the idea that he is too nice & that is why the team is struggling. Guys who are too nice don't suspend the team's most highly rated portal prize for 6 games & a 5th-year former A-10 ROY. He's not a screamer, so what? I can think of no highly successful coaches, at any level, who are famous for inciting technicals on a regular basis when they didn't have a seriously talented team & strong program.

Our boys were called for 18 fouls and theirs 22. SLU's victory was not facilitated by unfair officiating.

Ironduke81 wrote:

FAM wrote:

STOP PLAYING CRAWFORD!!!!!!!!

Soooooo agree. How about Max throws a bad pass for a turnover in the second half. Dru pulled him immediately. Bench city. Clearly we have a problem with the coach & Max. The 3 spot has been killing this team. Great effort tonight by the Dukes. Reality check Dukes had no chance from this referee crew. At this point who is the nicest person on this team? Nacas or COACH DRU. COACH DRU can you ever take a technical. Jacob needs to play more selfish. He is killing the Dukes. Love the kid ton of talent. Go Dukes.

Last edited by phil95 (1/20/2026 10:18 pm)

Guinyard was pretty poor today. Outside of that shot to end the first half. 

Hugley missing the box out to give Avdila the easy layup on the three was infuriating. 

Pick your poison at the 3 spot. Neither can get it done. 

Is Joyce capable of getting guys to move while on offense? Yet to do it in any of the 40 games he's been coach.

Such a winnable game, that was brutal. If they don't win the next 3, I will say the season is likely ending first day of the A10 Tourney.