In a shocking turn of events, Duquesne traveled to EagleBank Arena and handed George Mason a stunning 71-65 defeat, pulling off a monumental upset that will send ripples through the college basketball world. The Dukes, with a 13-10 record, were predicted to fall by nearly 10 points, but instead, they was the better team on this day, outlasting the 20-3 Patriots.
The game got off to a strong start for Duquesne, as they took a 33-27 lead into halftime. George Mason's Riley Allenspach was a force to be reckoned with, scoring 18 points and grabbing 7 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of the Dukes. Alex Williams led the charge for Duquesne, pouring in 25 points to pace his team. Williams was complemented by David Dixon and Jimmie Williams, who chipped in 13 points and 7 rebounds, and 13 points and 5 rebounds, respectively.
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had George Mason winning by 9.8 points, with a predicted score of 81-71. However, the actual outcome was far from it, as Duquesne's stifling defense held the Patriots to just 65 points. The Dukes' victory was a reflection of their resilience and determination, as they withstood a late push from George Mason to secure the win.
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The implications of this upset cannot be overstated. For George Mason, this loss is a significant blow to their tournament resume, as it falls into the Q3 category. The Patriots, ranked 65th in the net rankings, must regroup and refocus to ensure this loss doesn't derail their season. On the other hand, Duquesne's win is a massive boost to their own resume, as it qualifies as a Q1 victory. The Dukes, currently ranked 144th in the net rankings, want to build on this momentum as they push for a tournament berth.
As the season enters its final stretch, this upset will be remembered as one of the most significant of the year. Duquesne's victory over George Mason serves as a reminder that, on any given day, any team can beat another. The Dukes' resume now boasts a signature win, one that will undoubtedly catch the attention of the tournament selection committee. With this win, Duquesne's tournament chances have received a significant boost, and they want to continue their push for a postseason berth.