Matthew Theodros | staff writer

The Duquesne men’s basketball team wrapped up their homestand with a crushing 61-56 loss to Maine in a tightly contested game at Cooper Fieldhouse on Wednesday, dropping it down to 2-8 on the season.

The Dukes led 54-50 late in the game following a key bucket by Tre Dinkins III, but the Black Bears stormed back with an 11-2 run to seal the victory. Sluggish play and a staggering 19 turnovers proved costly for Duquesne, derailing its chances of maintaining control in the final moments.

Slow offensive starts have been a recurring issue for the Dukes, with just 5 points on the board with 11:32 remaining in the first half, underscoring the need for easier scoring opportunities. Time and again, they find themselves digging out of early deficits, forcing them to play catch-up for much of the game.

Head Coach Dru Joyce III, who has consistently emphasized building good habits with ball security and selfless play, expressed his frustration with the team’s execution. Poor shot selection and careless passing were recurring issues throughout the game.

“Too many extra possessions where we came up empty tonight,” Joyce said. “You have to learn to trust. It’s part of the process in team building. I think we have a good level of trust, but tonight we were just rushed, unsettled. We had our chances, but we shot it like it was a hot potato. We have to go back to the drawing board and figure it out.”

The Dukes were able to find their range from deep against Maine, finishing with a season-high 11 three-pointers. However, their struggles near the rim proved costly, as they managed just nine buckets in the paint despite grabbing 20 offensive rebounds.

A pivotal moment in the game came from forward Chabi Barre, whose emotions took the best of him after a foul on a Maine player early in the second half led to an inexplicable decision to launch the ball, earning him a technical foul and a benching from Joyce.

The loss underscores the challenges facing the Dukes this season.

“I do believe we’re not a finished product by any means,” Joyce added. “We have to continue to learn through our mistakes. Sometimes you try to go for it on your own, and you end up getting in your own way.”

Despite the setback against Maine, just last Friday, a balanced scoring attack led Duquesne to an impressive 80-66 victory over Delaware. Five players scored in double figures, with Dinkins leading the charge with 18 points and Kareem Rozier adding 14.

Similarly to the Maine contest, the Dukes’ defensive effort was lackluster in the early stages of the game, as Delaware capitalized to score 22 points in the first eight minutes. Joyce stressed attention to detail with defensive intensity, and the team responded in the second half, holding Delaware to a mere 29 points.

“We were giving up too many drives,” Joyce said. “If you let teams drive and touch the paint, it’s just going to collapse your defense and make it challenging. The moment we took responsibility and accountability for guarding one-on-one, I felt the game shifted.”

Barre showed glimpses of brilliance, particularly in the early minutes of the second half. His infectious energy sparked the Dukes, as his aggressive drives to the basket culminated in thunderous alley-oop finishes and a three-point play. Additionally, he contributed with key defensive stops and strong rebounding efforts.

“I am so happy for him, given [what] he had to go through our freshmen year,” Rozier said. “It’s a blessing for him to even be out there doing what he’s doing. I’m so happy for him and I hope he continues to go out there and leave it all out.”

With the game undecided, the late game efforts by Dinkins brought down the Blue Hens. Two long-range three balls kept the lead for Duquesne to 73-62 with 1:50 remaining.

Duquesne’s dominance on the glass and at the free-throw line was a key factor in their victory on Friday. The Dukes outrebounded Delaware by a wide margin, grabbing 46 rebounds, including 20 offensive boards. Their efficient free-throw shooting, particularly in the second half going 10-12, sealed the deal.

This stretch served as a valuable test for the Dukes, facing a diverse range of competition and playing styles. Despite the challenges, Joyce remains confident in his team’s dedication and work ethic.

“You always want to be able to secure wins at home, because that’s your support,” Joyce said. “Those are the people that appreciate you and show up for you. You want to do well for them. You want to put on your best performance and win. I have a group of young men that I know work hard. It’s challenging to win. I know the effort and the energy that they pour in each and every day.”