Duquesne Outruns Falcons

Duquesne came to Anderson Arena and scored an amazing 60 points in the second half last night, and blew a relatively close game wide open and won 96-78.

As late as 7 minutes left, it was only a four point game, but from there on in Duquesne scored an amazing 32 points and won.

The Dukes play a very upbeat style. They established the tone for the game by forcing 10 BG turnovers in the first ten minutes, on the way to 24 total Falcon turnovers. We also committed a mind-boggling 28 fouls, and Duquesne shot 45 free throws. (We shot 33--LOVE THOSE MAC REFS, blowing their whistles like traffic cops).

I wrote yesterday that as fans we wanted to have some signs that things were turning around...some idea that we were on an upward vector. One thing emerged in that Otis Polk, long a repository of hope for Falcon fans, played to the ability we all think he has. He had 17 points and 7 boards, and played 31 minutes, meaning he avoided foul trouble for most of the time. If he can begin to assert himself, he will make a big difference for the team.

Chris Knight also had a double/double, and we had five guys in double figures. Even Brian Moten managed to get into double figures as well.

Point being this: from time to time, different players have chipped in, but we have not really gotten consistent production out of anyone. But, if Otis can keep out of foul trouble and on the floor, and Chris Knight continues to mature, and Brian Moten gets into the flow, and Nate Miller continues to play well, and Daryl and Jakubowski keep playing--and each of them is capable of it--this team can compete in the MAC.

Saturday the Ohio Bobcats come in for the MAC opener, a huge challenge for our guys. They are very strong this year. We are 8-26 over the last two years in MAC play, and that includes just one road win. There is some work to do.