The Duquesne University men's basketball team clinched its first Atlantic 10 Championship title since 1977 in an exciting 57-51 victory over the No. 5 seed VCU at the Barclays Center. With this win, the Dukes improved their overall record to 24-11 (.686) and secured an automatic bid to the 2024 NCAA Tournament.
Key Highlights:
- The Dukes dominated the first half, heading into halftime with a commanding 36-22 lead.
- Despite a strong comeback attempt by VCU in the second half, Duquesne maintained their lead.
- Freshman forward Jakub Necas made a crucial three-pointer to extend the Dukes' lead to 49-41.
- Senior guard Jimmy Clark III's assist to freshman guard Jake DiMichele for a floater at 1:07 left in the game pushed Duquesne to a 51-48 edge.
- The Dukes secured their victory at the free-throw line, with key contributions from Clark III and forward Fousseyni Drame.
Coach's Comment:
Head coach Keith Dambrot expressed his pride in the team's resilience and toughness, highlighting their ability to win even in challenging situations. He praised the team's maturity and defensive prowess, which played a crucial role in their tournament success.
Most Outstanding Player:
Senior guard Dae Dae Grant was named the 2024 Atlantic 10 Championship Most Outstanding Player. He averaged 16.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists throughout the tournament. Grant's performance, including 10 points in the title game, was instrumental in Duquesne's victory. Senior guard Jimmy Clark III also received recognition, averaging 15.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in the tournament.
Overall, Duquesne's victory was a testament to their resilience, defensive strength, and ability to perform under pressure, securing their spot in the NCAA Tournament with an impressive display of skill and determination.
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