Saint Louis Holds Off Duquesne 81-77 Behind Balanced Attack

Saint Louis improved to 18-1 on the season with a hard-fought 81-77 victory over Duquesne at the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse. The Billikens, who were predicted to win by 10.9 points by CHD Scout, ultimately prevailed by four points, validating the pre-game forecast. While the margin was closer than expected, Saint Louis's win was a reflection of their depth and resilience.

Jimmie Williams was the standout performer for Duquesne, tallying 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. His impressive outing kept the Dukes within striking distance throughout the contest. However, the Billikens' balanced attack, which featured three players scoring 14 points each, proved too much for Duquesne to handle. Dion Brown, one of Saint Louis's top performers, chipped in with 14 points and 6 rebounds, while Robbie Avila and Trey Green also scored 14 points each.

The game was closely contested from the outset, with Saint Louis taking a 40-38 lead into halftime. The Billikens maintained their advantage throughout the second half, but Duquesne refused to back down. The Dukes trimmed the deficit to two points with just over a minute remaining, but Saint Louis's free-throw shooting late sealed the win. David Dixon's 10 rebounds and Tarence Guinyard's 14 points were notable contributions for Duquesne, but ultimately, the team's efforts fell short.

The victory marked a quality win for Saint Louis, albeit one that was classified as a Quadrant 3 game. While it may not significantly bolster their tournament resume, it demonstrates the team's ability to navigate challenging road environments. For Duquesne, the loss was a missed opportunity to secure a high-profile win, as this game was considered a Quadrant 1 opportunity. Despite the setback, the Dukes can take solace in their competitive performance, which should serve as a confidence booster moving forward.

As the season progresses, Saint Louis want to build on this win and continue to solidify their position as a top contender. With a strong 18-1 record and a net ranking of 22, the Billikens are well-positioned to make a deep run in the tournament. For Duquesne, the focus will shift to regrouping and preparing for their next challenge, as they strive to improve their 10-9 record and net ranking of 160. The Dukes' tournament chances may have taken a hit with this loss, but they still have time to make a push and enhance their resume.