The Davidson Wildcats and Duquesne Dukes are set to face off at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse on February 25, in a pivotal Atlantic 10 matchup that carries significant implications for both teams' conference standings. As the regular season draws to a close, the importance of this game cannot be overstated, with both teams vying for positioning in the A10 tournament. Davidson, seeking to bolster its resume, will look to bounce back from a recent loss to Fordham, while Duquesne aims to build on its strong recent form, having gone 4-1 in its last five outings.
The narrow margins that separate these evenly matched teams make for a compelling contest, with the model prediction indicating a mere two-point advantage for Duquesne. Given the tight nature of the A10 race, the outcome of this game will have a direct impact on the conference standings, potentially altering the trajectory of both teams' postseason aspirations. With neither team in contention for an at-large NCAA Tournament bid, the focus shifts to the A10 tournament, where the winner will earn the conference's automatic bid. As such, this game takes on added significance, with the Wildcats and Dukes both seeking to gain a crucial edge in the pursuit of a championship.
Averaging 18.3 points per game is not a feat achieved by any single player on the Davidson roster, but the team's leading scorer is not clearly defined, as the highest average is 12.2 points per game. The team's recent form has been inconsistent, with a loss to Fordham and a win over Richmond in their last two games, and His 12.2 points per game, courtesy of , have been a steady presence. With 3.4 rebounds per game, Roberts Blums has also been a factor on the glass, while has chipped in with 10.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, making him a versatile threat.
The team's offense has been bolstered by the contributions of , whose 10.8 points per game have been complemented by 2.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. His ability to score and facilitate has been a key factor in the team's success, and 's 2.2 assists per game have also helped to create scoring opportunities for his teammates, including , who has averaged 6.5 points per game. With a record of 16-11 and a NET ranking of 107, the team will look to build on its recent win over Richmond, in which Parker Friedrichsen and Josh Scovens played important roles, as they head into their matchup against Duquesne.
Averaging 16.8 points per game, has been crucial to Duquesne's offense, while his 5.1 assists per game highlight his role as a facilitator. With a record of 16-11, including 8-6 in the Atlantic 10 conference, Duquesne has shown resilience in recent games, winning four of their last five contests. His 3.3 rebounds per game demonstrate Guinyard's ability to contribute across the board. The team's leading scorer, alongside Guinyard, is , who brings 15.4 points per game and 4.8 rebounds per game to the table.
His 45% three-point shooting is not a notable aspect of John Hugley IV's game, as the data provided does not mention this statistic; however, Hugley IV does contribute 9.3 points per game and 4.0 rebounds per game. 's 5.3 rebounds per game lead the team, and his 7.8 points per game demonstrate his ability to score. adds depth to the roster, with 8.0 points per game and 3.0 rebounds per game, making him a valuable asset to the team. As Duquesne prepares to face Davidson, these players will be key to the team's success, given their recent form, which includes wins over La Salle, St. Bonaventure, and George Washington.
The matchup between Davidson's Josh Scovens and Duquesne's Jimmie Williams will be pivotal in determining the outcome of this game. Both players are versatile scorers and distributors, but their contrasting styles will create an intriguing dynamic. Scovens's ability to create for himself and others, as evidenced by his 1.9 assists per game, will be tested by Williams's defensive prowess. Conversely, Williams's scoring ability, which has yielded 15.4 points per game, will challenge Scovens's defensive skills.
The outcome of this head-to-head battle will have a significant impact on the game's flow and ultimately, its result. If Scovens can contain Williams and limit his scoring opportunities, Davidson may be able to dictate the pace and control the tempo. On the other hand, if Williams can exploit Scovens defensively and find open scoring lanes, Duquesne may be able to establish an early advantage and maintain momentum throughout the game. The Scovens-Williams matchup will be a fascinating clash of skills, and its outcome will be a key factor in deciding which team emerges victorious.
CHD Scout Prediction
Davidson
73
Duquesne
75
Based on the data, the model predicts a narrow 75-73 victory for Duquesne, with a 54.0% win probability. I agree with this prediction, as Davidson's slightly higher NET ranking of 107 compared to Duquesne's 128 is not sufficient to overcome the home-court advantage that Duquesne will have in this matchup, which I believe will be the decisive factor in this closely contested game.
As the regular season winds down, the stakes are clear for both Davidson and Duquesne: a conference tournament championship is the only path to postseason salvation. With identical 16-11 records, the outcome of this game will significantly impact their positioning in the Atlantic 10 standings, and by extension, their seeding in the conference tournament. A win for either team would not only bolster their chances of a higher seed, but also inject momentum into their program's trajectory, potentially setting the stage for a deep run in the A10 tournament. The fact that this game is classified as Quad 2 for Davidson and Quad 3 for Duquesne underscores the disparity in their schedules to date, but ultimately, it's the conference standings that will dictate their fate, and with a loss, one of these teams will be staring up at an even steeper climb to the top of the A10 mountain, making this matchup a must-win for both, and Duquesne's home-court advantage will be put to the test in a game that could ultimately define the trajectory of their season.