Pitt and Duquesne’s men’s basketball teams both have multiple home games, while Robert Morris’ men’s team is on the road all week. To cap off a busy slate, we’ve got the Women’s Basketball City Game on Saturday at Duquesne as well.

Let’s take a look at the full schedule for this week of Pittsburgh basketball home games.

Duquesne MBB: 

Monday: Duquesne Vs. Stony Brook – 7 p.m.

Wednesday: Duquesne Vs. Princeton – 7 p.m.

Friday: Duquesne Vs. Rider – 7 p.m.

Duquesne Basketball Runs on Rozier: ‘His Leadership Ability is Second-to-None’

Pitt MBB: 

Monday: Pitt Vs. Florida Gulf Coast – 7 p.m.

Friday: Pitt Vs. Jacksonville – 7 p.m.

Duquesne WBB:

Saturday: Duquesne Vs. Pitt WBB – 2 p.m.

Pitt WBB:

Saturday: Pitt @ Duquesne WBB – 2 p.m.

RMU WBB

Wednesday: RMU Vs. Akron WBB – 11 a.m.

RECORD UPDATES

Pitt MBB: 2-0

Duquesne MBB: 2-0

Duquesne WBB: 2-0

Pitt WBB: 1-1

RMU MBB: 1-1

RMU WBB: 1-1

Stay tuned on Pittsburgh Sports Now for coverage of all of the city’s college basketball action throughout the week and beyond. For more information on tickets and full schedules for each of the teams, click here for Duquesne MBB, here for Duquesne WBB, here for Pitt MBB, here for Pitt WBB, and here for Robert Morris WBB.

The post Big Week of College Basketball Ahead in the Steel City appeared first on Pittsburgh Sports Now.

As part of this, Duquesne Women’s Basketball Coach Dan Burt and junior guard Megan McConnell, a member of the preseason first and defensive teams, spoke to PSN’s Zachary Weiss in this exclusive interview previewing the upcoming season.

The post WATCH: Duquesne WBB At Atlantic 10 Media Day appeared first on Pittsburgh Sports Now.

This is Duquesne’s best placement in the preseason poll since the 2020-21 edition when it tied with two other teams for fourth place and once again received a first-place vote.

Junior guard Megan McConnell received multiple nods from the coaches as she was named to the Preseason All-Conference First and Defensive Teams.

McConnell started all 31 games a season ago and averaged 11.2 points and 9.8 rebounds per game to go with 70 steals. Standing at five-foot-seven McConnell was able to pull own 257 rebounds a season ago while her defensive nature made opponents be aware of where she was on the court at all times.

The Pittsburgh native is also the first Dukes player to make the Atlantic 10 Preseason All-Conference First Team since Libby Bazelak prior to the 2020-21 season.

McConnell was further recognized Wednesday by being named to the 2024 Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year watchlist, one of 25 student-athletes to make that list.

Though McConnell received recognition, multiple other Dukes who were potentially up for consideration were not honored. These include Tess Myers (11.7 ppg/90 3’s), Amaya Hamilton (10.6 ppg/90 assts), Ayanna Townsend (10.4 ppg/46.9% FG) and Precious Johnson (10.3 ppg/49.6% FG).

When past Duquesne teams were in his opinion slighted, Duquesne coach Dan Burt made sure to use it as motivation and this instance does not figure to be any different.

Returning nearly 98% of all relevant stats, this Duquesne team has high expectations attached to its name as last season was a return towards the 20-win, postseason-play standard.

The Dukes begin their season Nov. 6 at Princeton.

Atlantic 10 Women’s Basketball Preseason Poll

1. Rhode Island (12) 218

2. Saint Joseph’s 203

3. Saint Louis (2) 186

4. Richmond 176

5. Duquesne (1) 172

6. George Washington 150

7. Davidson 124

8. George Mason 111

9. Dayton 100

10. VCU 96

11. Massachusetts 70

12. La Salle 66

13. Fordham 54

14. St. Bonaventure 39

15. Loyola Chicago 35

Preseason All-Conference First Team

Elle Sutphin Davidson

Megan McConnell Duquesne

Maye Toure Rhode Island

Addie Budnik Richmond

Talya Brugler Saint Joseph’s

Kyla McMakin Saint Louis

Preseason All-Conference Second Team

Nya Robertson George Washington

Teisha Hyman Rhode Island

Maggie Doogan Richmond

Laura Ziegler Saint Joseph’s

Sarah Te-Biasu VCU

Julia Martinez Saint Louis

Preseason All-Conference Third Team

Suzi-Rose Deegan Davidson

Mariah Perez Dayton

Nalani Kaysia George Mason

Mayowa Taiwo George Washington

Tenin Magassa Rhode Island

Mackenzie Smith Saint Joseph’s

Preseason All-Defensive Team

Megan McConnell Duquesne

Mayowa Taiwo George Washington

Anaelle Dutat Rhode Island

Kennedy Calhoun Saint Louis

Julia Martinez Saint Louis

For what it is worth, here is PSN reporter Zachary Weiss’s projected preseason poll. Again, this result did not count in the final ballot.

1. Rhode Island

2. Saint Joseph’s

3. Saint Louis

4. Duquesne

5. George Washington

6. Richmond

7. Davidson

8. George Mason

9. Dayton

10. VCU

11. Loyola Chicago

12. Massachusetts

13. Fordham

14. La Salle

15. St. Bonaventure

The post Duquesne WBB Picked Preseason Fifth; McConnell Named Preseason First, Defensive Teams appeared first on Pittsburgh Sports Now.

Of course, it is uncommon for a coach to be pessimistic about how his or her team will do heading into a season, but with Duquesne the standard has been raised this season for both teams.

DUQUESNE MEN’S BASKETBALL

“They picked us last.”

Joe Reese offered the team’s rallying cry following the first game of last season. While often the preseason poll is not taken too seriously once a campaign starts, it was a team Keith Dambrot clearly enjoyed coaching.

“Last year when we were going really good, we were shooting the ball well,” he stated. “R.J. (Gunn) played hurt at the end of last year which I think really hurt us and I thought Joe Reece was a little beaten up too at the end. If we can shoot the ball at a high level like we did at the three-point line, obviously Tevin Brewer is a big loss for us, we feel like we can offset that. If we shoot at the same level, I feel we’ll be right there at the end.”

Already Dambrot feels he has accomplished the first goal which is to have good people on his team. It was a recipe which worked last year as the Dukes advanced to postseason play.

The atmosphere at practice has been one of players pushing each other and finding counters while doing so with plenty of energy.

As is always the case with Dambrot if you mess up multiple times, it is off to the sideline.

Duquesne is now an experienced side with guards in Dae Dae Grant and Jimmy Clark III, both of whom earned recognition from the Atlantic 10 last season. Additionally, Kareem Rozier takes a jump as a sophomore and is poised for more playing time while remaining the leader of this group.

Duquesne Dukes guard Jimmy Clark III (1) March 1, 2023 David Hague/PSN

The post depth is even more present as Duquesne has had to withstand some preseason injuries. There is the hope that Dusan Mahorcic will be cleared to play come December and he would bring instant size and increased credibility to the post.

Both Chabi Barre and David Dixon were recently cleared. Barre got a taste of court time a season ago, while Dixon was given the opportunity to grow on the court.

Tre Williams comes in healthy and more explosive this season. A year ago, Williams picked up his defense, specifically shot blocking when he was moved into the post and guarded centers. Williams began to get noticed by opposing coaches for these efforts.

Dambrot is unsure if he will guard the four or five, citing a dependence on what personnel looks like.

The Dukes have several post options in Andy Barba, Fousseyni Drame, Hassan Drame, Matus Hronsky, Jakub Necas and Andre Savrasov.

Given that personnel, Duquesne is going to make some changes to its defensive structure, citing a desire to try and play fast and play more full-court pressure.

Dambrot believes more people will be able to play and that his team can be good at it. If Duquesne can put the returning and several new faces together, then it hopes for a successful season.

“Just have to bring it every day with our mental and physical toughness,” Dambrot concluded. “We’ve been close, just haven’t been able to get over the hump. We’re certainly capable, we’re capable of beating anyone in the league. Winners win games. Having winning records in the league and keep putting it out there year in and year out and pretty soon you build that tradition of winning.”

DUQUESNE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

If anyone asks coach Dan Burt what the team expectations are, the answer is always the same, a 20-plus win season and a postseason berth.

For much of Burt’s tenure, that was the standard, but the pandemic specifically hit his team hard at a time when it was young and learning causing a couple of seasons where this goal was not met.

Last season, Duquesne was 19-12, fought to the final seconds in its Atlantic 10 Championship loss and were just left out of a WNIT berth.

When Burt discusses this year’s team that familiar gleam in his eye is back. This team is ready to go.

“It’s really exciting because we’ve got people who can play multiple positions,” he said. “We’re a lot more explosive around the arc. We’re bigger, we’re older, we’re long, we’re strong and the big concern is how are we going to play these guys? That’s going to make it really difficult on me, establishing roles. Roles are different than status.  We actually had a role meeting (recently) so everyone clearly understands what their defined role is right now and that can change over the course of the season.”

With Duquesne returning nearly 98% of all relevant stats, the team understands its system well and will be playing a faster version of said system. Burt is more secretive of the defensive side but notes that it will be different.

All of this is being done with what Burt states is “better talent than we’ve had”. The team’s newcomers are pushing returners and all of it will lead to different kind of lineups.

Of course, this Dukes team is led by junior guard Megan McConnell, who at 5-foot-7 can change the game with her scoring, passing, rebounding and defending.

Duquesne Dukes guard Megan McConnell (4) November 19, 2022 David Hague/PSN

These efforts have been noticed across the conference and even that is not to Burt’s liking as he called her “the best player in the Atlantic 10” to those gathered at the tipoff event.

Junior guard Tess Myers has taken a jump in her game. Considered a sharpshooter from three-point range, Myers has become more vocal, improved defensively and is boxing out to grab rebounds.

In the post, Duquesne returners Precious Johnson and Ayanna Townsend, both of whom have also taken jumps in their respective games.

Amaya Hamilton has the ability to play any position on the floor depending on the lineup Duquesne opts for and Naelle Bernard continues to shoot well from the three-point line and use explosive movement when cutting towards the basket. Lauren Wasylson also started finding her shot as health and confidence built throughout the season.

Both Kaitlyn Ammons and Selma Kulo are expected to return to the court this season.

Duquesne’s four newcomers are Kiandra Browne, Raymi Coueta, Gabbi Grantham-Medley, Jerni Kiaku, each of whom bring a unique skillset to the team.

Scheduling wise, Duquesne opens its season against a Princeton team which is a top-40 program. The home opener is against Pitt and Kent State, Delaware, Bowling Green, Niagara, Vermont, Tulane, Maine and Arkansas Little Rock are all part of the non-conference schedule.

As Burt puts the returning pieces and the four new team members together, he made a quick, but clear determination.

The post Duquesne Basketball Teams Optimistic As Season Approaches appeared first on Pittsburgh Sports Now.

Dan Burt and company earned the commitment more than one month after Walker took a visit to Duquesne back on Aug. 24.  Prior to her commitment to the Dukes, she held offers from the following programs: Cornell, Bryant, Saint Joseph’s, Morgan State, NJIT, Charleston, William & Mary, Holy Cross, Fairleigh Dickinson, Iona, Fordham, Central Michigan, and Cal State Bakersfield.

Walker plays her high-school ball for West York HS in York, Pennsylvania, and played on the AAU circuit for the Western PA Bruins.

Duquesne finished last season with a 19-12 record (8-8 Atlantic 10). The Dukes return second-team All-A10 guard Megan McConnell this season, and brought in a talented transfer class to join McConnell and co.

Some of my highlights from @TFNsRun4Roses in Kentucky! Looking forward to the rest of the summer! @ICAN_basketball @Makingwavesinwb @BashHoopsNE pic.twitter.com/44HtnZMx86

— Faith Walker (@faithwalker_3) July 16, 2022

The post Duquesne WBB Picks Up Commitment from 6-foot-1 Prospect Faith Walker appeared first on Pittsburgh Sports Now.

North Allegheny 2024 guard Kellie McConnell announced that she was going to stay home and gave a verbal commitment to Duquesne.

“I am beyond blessed and excited to announce my commitment to fulfill my dream of playing Division 1 basketball at Duquesne University. Thank you to my family for all of the constant support, and a special thanks to my parents who have sacrificed so much to allow me to be where I am today. Also, thank you to all of my coaches and teammates who constantly push me to be my best every day. Lastly, thank you to Coach Burt and the entire Duquesne Women’s Basketball staff and team for this opportunity to play at the next level, and thanks for a fantastic visit last week. I am grateful to be able to call Duquesne my future home! Go Dukes!”

Check out my junior season highlights! @na_girlsbb @NATigerAthletic @WPABruinsAAU https://t.co/jIB12HRGdI

— Kellie McConnell (@kmcconnell_4) April 8, 2023

McConnell missed her entire sophomore season with a knee injury but returned last season and helped North Allegheny (22-6) win another WPIAL Class 6A championship. McConnell was named to the all-section second team.

McConnell is the cousin of current Duquesne standout Megan McConnell, who will be entering her junior season, so the two will be able to play together in two seasons. Kellie’s mother, Sherri (Hannan) McConnell was a standout guard at North Allegheny and at Duquesne. Sherri McConnell started all four years (1995-1999) with the Dukes and still ranks 9th all-time in steals (205) and 10th all-time in assists (392).

Her older cousin, T.J. McConnell, who currently finished his 8th season in the NBA, started his collegiate career at Duquesne before transferring to Arizona.

The post North Allegheny Guard Kellie McConnell Commits To Duquesne appeared first on Pittsburgh Sports Now.

This piece will be the first in regard to season review as Duquesne Vice President of Athletics Dave Harper spoke to PSN’s Zac Weiss prior to the men’s team officially being in the CBI.

Below are his thoughts in full.

Overall thoughts on the men’s team’s season: “Obviously we were all pleased with the progress that we’ve made but at the same time there is a relentless drive to be a high-level postseason caliber team and there will be a focus on recruitment and player development with the talented core that we’ve got. Hopefully it will lead to more incremental success.”

Regarding the turnaround from last season to this campaign: “Our coaches work tirelessly in recruiting. They traveled extensively, worked on evaluations and analytics. The model we used last year will aid us this year. We’ve got work to do but we have things in our toolkit to maximize opportunities with recruiting. It will be the same tireless approach to acquire and retain good talent.”

Thoughts on the group the team had in place this season: “That’s a testament to the young men, they’re fantastic kids. They’re successful kids and great human beings that enjoy playing with one another, the core coming back helped establish the strong culture we have. Hopefully this can project to more success in our conference.”

On the setback to La Salle in the Atlantic 10 Championship: “I know there’s a bitter taste in everyone’s mouths with how everything ended. We had some inconsistent play which was unfortunate but the most telling this was the passion in the locker room. That scene I was proud to see, they’re passionate and express gratitude for one another. Those attributes contribute to winning. We have to play consistently and recruit more pieces. That will lead to more incremental success.”

On what it will take to make that next step: “I have a great deal of confidence because they’ve been more adaptive in their coaching and more focused on player development. There is a good camaraderie which is important. They’re energized with where they are at right now. We’re 3-4 games from being in that top part of the A-10 and postseason conversation. There is a lot of work to do but that staff is craving that opportunity.”

Overall thoughts on the women’s season: “There was improvement no doubt but like on the men’s side, they’re wanting more. We have room for growth in a number of areas. We have a core group coming back that can be developed. Recruiting to add a few missing pieces is what we need to battle for the top spot in the conference.”

What it takes to return to the past standard of success: “Our focus on recruiting on recruiting and player development is critical to get back to where we once were. There’s a batch of talented new coaches, so it’s going to be a tough climb no doubt. We have to be laser focused on what is needed for more success.”

Thoughts on coach Dan Burt: “The key for any coach is how adaptive you can be to the game and talent that you have. If you can do that and understand what it takes to be successful, you can adapt and put the players in a place to succeed. That is something all good coaches do and that’s something that Dan can focus on.”

On both teams seeing increased attention: “There’s been some outstanding marketing efforts to grow attendance but there’s nothing better than having an entertaining product and that’s what we have. They are kids you want to support because of how they play and who they are. We have growth in all areas but that’s where our focus remains and won’t waver.”

Regarding Red & Blue Collective: “The NIL conversations were not so much internal as they were external. We were fortunate to have a very talented, passionate group of supporters that understand the NIL and to be present in that space. You can’t sit on the curve and stop; you have to be active and have a sustainable strategy. We’ll never have one where a player picks a school based on that but those are part of the overall package. It’s a necessary piece for success and we’re fortunate to put it in place formally and took our time to do it right. Things out of the gate were crazy in a lot of ways. We started having discussions 4-5 months ago and came to a consensus and realized we were going to have a strong system for our NIL. Our players will be involved in a number of NIL activities in the next 2-3 months that will serve a purpose. Putting all of the support tools in place was just as important as kicking it off.”

On moving forward: “We have all of the necessary objectives in terms of what we will support and allocate resources accordingly. Now it’s incremental growth. We’ll win the next thing we do in recruiting and developing players. It’s a never-ending focus put it that way. The turnarounds that both made are not easy and the challenge of getting to the 23–25-win level with the right wins is a huge climb. We’ve got a lot of work to do.”

The post Duquesne Basketball Q&A With Dave Harper appeared first on Pittsburgh Sports Now.

ICE IN HER VIENS @miaalakstigala puts us up 3 with 4.9 remaining!#RaiseHigh #A10WBB pic.twitter.com/foId5d94QS

— GW Women's Basketball (@GW_WBB) March 2, 2023

“I’m incredibly proud of the team that I was fortunate enough to coach this year,” Duquesne coach Dan Burt said. “They are an incredible group of women that are the definition of student-athlete. When our program had hit some depths two years ago, we struggled through it together. This year was a turning point and to win 19 games we certainly brought back what Duquesne basketball has been. What happened today doesn’t take any luster away from what we have achieved and you can sure as heck bet that we’re going to go into the transfer portal and find a couple more players that are going to help us get back here and get deeper.”

Duquesne’s (19-12/8-8 A-10) Megan McConnell posted 17 points and set the program’s all-time mark for rebounds in a single season with a second-quarter board. McConnell added eight rebounds and eight assists to her postgame resume.

“It’s fantastic but it doesn’t put any salve on the wound of losing,” said Burt regarding the milestone. “Meg doesn’t give a crap about any statistic and when you look at what she did tonight, I think she’s the best point guard on the league and best on-ball defender too. One day when she gets older, she’ll be able to be happy about it, but right now, it’s not a lot of fun.”

Ayanna Townsend also got into the act with her 14 points and Precious Johnson 12 pts. The Dukes shot 49% from the field.

Wednesday Duquesne, specifically coach Dan Burt was very vocal reminding anyone who would listen about his squad’s 1-for-29 mark from three-point range in the regular season meeting between these two programs and the Dukes would connect on their first two three-point shots.

It was an offensively oriented half with Duquesne connecting six times from deep and firing at a 46.2% mark from the field. Not to be outdone, GW buried four triples, three of which came from Lakstigala and the Colonials shot 46.7% during the 20 minutes.

GW led for much of the opening quarter, though Duquesne was able to establish connection between Townsend and Precious Johnson. Townsend was able to post up, with Johnson advancing the ball inside leading to an and-one playing and another high-percentage layup.

Duquesne briefly led in the closing stretches of the first quarter following a Townsend free throw, but GW’s Asjah Inniss charged the lane, finishing with a right hand layup, allowing her team to lead 20-19 after one period.

In the second quarter, GW fed off that score, going on a 9-0 run as Duquesne had to go back to the drawing board.

The Dukes did just that as Tess Myers connected on her first three-point basket of the evening and then McConnell called her own number, first grabbing a rebound and then replicating Myer’s feat, separating the team by a pair of points.

Behind Lakstigala, GW stretched its advantage to six points, but that lead was cut in half, 36-33.

Down five, Amaya Hamilton provided Duquesne with a lift, to the tune of an and-one jump shot. On the Dukes next time down the court, she converted a reverse layup tying the contest.

After each side traded three-point baskets, GW used a key 10-1 run to create separation. Lauren Wasylson would give the Dukes some momentum with a three-point basket, but the Colonials remained in front by nine points.

It turned out that Wasylson’s basket, was the fuel Duquesne needed as the team used a 13-2 run to get back in control of the game.

Duquesne found timely shooting as McConnell converted an and-one play, Wasylson nailed another triple and McConnell found Johnson on the run.

“I liked that we kept on fighting,” Wasylson stated. “Every game you’re going to face adversity and we did, we hit a wall a couple of times, but we never gave up. We stuck through it all together and (Lakstigala) made a good play at the end. You can’t ask for anything more.”

Both teams then hit offensive lulls, though Hamilton sank a free throw to tie the game.

Duquesne would break out of its funk first as McConnell twice found Townsend on the same play, giving the Dukes an advantage.

The Dukes maintained the advantage with less than a minute left, when Lok connected for a layup. When Duquesne came up empty its next time down the court, GW missed a shot, but Taiwo grabbed the team’s 15th offensive rebound, allowing Lakstigala to take and make the game-winning three-pointer.

She’’s an elite-level athlete and I don’t throw that world around very much,” said Burt. “The ball was in PJ (Johnson’s) hands just very gingerly and getting to nestle into Precious’s hands and that young lady looked like she was on a pogo stick and just jumped completely over her, spun the ball out and (Lakstigala) hit a really big shot. It was a great basketball game, we played a good game, they played a little better.”

Myers’s potential game-tying three-point shot was blocked by Taiwo as GW dribbled out the closing seconds to secure victory.

Though Duquesne’s season now comes to an end, Wasylson is looking forward to next season and offered a promise of sorts.

“Next year is going to be scary,” she stated. “We have everybody returning, so you can bet that we’ll be back here and we’ll be up for the challenge.”

VIDEO

The post Duquesne WBB’s Season Ends In Closing Seconds appeared first on Pittsburgh Sports Now.

“It’s March Madness, that’s the only way you can describe it,” Duquesne coach Dan Burt said. “We certainly are happy to move on and to continue our season. The best words that you can hear in March are ‘see you tomorrow’, so we’ll see you all tomorrow.”

Precious Johnson led Duquesne (19-11/8-8 Atlantic 10) with her fourth double-double this season, giving herself a birthday present consisting of 14 points and 13 rebounds. Both Amaya Hamilton as well as Tess Myers added 12 points, while Megan McConnell posted 11 points and eight rebounds. McConnell is now four rebounds away from setting Duquesne’s single-season mark.

As a team, Duquesne won the rebounding battle by a 42-30 count.

Loyola Chicago (6-24/1-15 A-10) was paced by Sitori Tanin’s 20 points and eight rebounds. Maya Chandler added 18 points and multiple crucial second-half baskets.

Duquesne opened this contest on a 12-4 run as McConnell overcame a deflected pass to bury an open three-point basket.

It was a banner shooting quarter for the Dukes, who shot 72.7% from the field and assisted on six of their eight baskets.

The quarter ended with Myers successfully landing a high-flying three-point shot through the bottom of the net as Duquesne led 20-7 after the opening 10 minutes.

Though both teams experienced scoring droughts in the second period, Duquesne briefly enjoyed a 20-point advantage after McConnell buried a three-point basket after Naelle Bernard’s shot fake drew attention from multiple Ramblers.

Loyola would battle back to make the score 35-21 after the first half.

Following a brief peptalk, the Ramblers would come out for the second half 10 minutes prior and shoot in an effort to get out of the third-quarter funks which have plagued their team.

The move paid dividends as Duquesne was held to seven points in the quarter, its lowest output since Nov. 19 at Pitt.

Duquesne would be held without a three-point basket in the second half and after connecting on nine assists in its first 11 shots, it would be contained to five out of the last 14 baskets.

The advantage was cut down to 42-38 after three quarters.

Loyola Chicago shot 60% from the field in the final quarter, but Duquesne was able to hang on to the advantage, though the end of the game was far more suspenseful than it may have desired.

“We really didn’t try to change anything, because everything was going for us, and when we came out, we came out super flat,” McConnell matter-of-factly stated. “There was no energy and they were playing hard.”

Leading by one point inside of the final minute, the Ramblers used their foul to give, after which Duquesne successfully inbounded the ball to an unguarded Hamilton who decided to go up for the layup, but she did not stick the finish.

Instead Loyola Chicago had one last chance for the win, which saw Kira Chivers attempt a shot in traffic, but it fell off the mark, allowing Duquesne to advance.

“There was an awful lot of ‘ahh bullpucky’ and bullpucky was not the word I was using,” said Burt. “We didn’t execute. We actually the play we missed the layup on, we executed it perfectly but we didn’t finish the shot. We’ll wash it off as soon as we walking outside of the locker room.”

Duquesne now advances to face George Washington Thursday at 5 p.m. in second-round action.

“I think we got a little too comfortable because we had that lead,” Johnson said. “You can’t get comfortable it’s March Madness. We just have to give it all we’ve got next game.”

POSTGAME VIDEO

The post Duquesne WBB Hangs On To Advance In A-10 Tourney appeared first on Pittsburgh Sports Now.

Duquesne most recently fell in Saturday’s regular-season finale at Saint Joseph’s falling to the 10 seed, meaning it would start play Wednesday as opposed to a day later.

“I think they have responded well,” Duquesne Associate Head Coach Cherie Lea said. “I thought we had a good practice Monday, good energy, good focus, competitive, talking. Going into the (conference championship) anything can happen. It doesn’t matter what your regular season record was, right now we are in a good space and have been playing hard and competing. Anybody can win this tournament and that’s the attitude we have going up there.”

Sophomore guard Megan McConnell agreed with Lea that the energy is there and believes the Dukes displayed good short-term memory in leaving Saturday behind.

Now it is go time.

“We all definitely have that mindset, it’s win or go home,” she said. “I think we got the side of the bracket that we wanted, we’re happy with it and we think we can make a long run. We just have to be dialed in and keep doing what we do best.”

That side of the bracket McConnell refers to would have Duquesne playing George Washington if it were to win Wednesday, with second-seeded Rhode Island awaiting that winner.

The Atlantic 10 has displayed more depth than quite possibly ever with multiple staffers reminding the team that it was three possessions away from a fourth seed and the double bye which have come with that, if all games are examined under the microscope.

Duquesne just played Loyola Chicago this past Wednesday, winning 71-61. The Ramblers placed last during regular season play.

“They are one of the best in turning defense to offense, they move that ball up the court from side to side,” said Lea. “They are a well-coached team, it was very competitive when we played them last week, so we are not taking them lightly. We know they can come in and pack a punch. We have to be prepared and ready to go. Defensively we have to stay true to who we are, sit, guard, protect the basket and rebound. Offensively we have to trust each other, move the ball, don’t let it stick and play at a high level.”

McConnell agreed with Lea understanding that now it was watching film on what mistakes were made in the previous game and continuing to work to become the best version of themselves.

“It’s definitely refreshing knowing we came off with a win at our place, but they were in it the whole time,” the guard replied. “They were up for most of the game, and we ended up pulling away in the fourth quarter, so we know this is going to be a dog fight. We just have to play our game and we’ll be fine.”

Before McConnell left halfcourt, she was asked how Duquesne would find fun in what it hopes to be a long week in Wilmington and while she smiled, her answer was very telling.

“We’re strictly there for business,” McConnell matter-of-factly stated.

VIDEOS

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This season McConnell led the conference with 158 assists and her 242 defensive rebounds also held the same distinction, 29 more than her closest pursuer.

“Meg was determined, she changed her body this offseason and really got in the weight room and got stronger and you can see it in her game with how she’s been playing,” Duquesne Associate Head Coach Cherie Lea said. “She is our leader out there, our captain on the court, she runs the offense, and she is a force on the boards. She accepts and excels in her role as a defensive irritant. She gets in people’s faces and she’s battling. She’s a warrior out there. I think she should be one of the top players and I may be biased because I see her every day. I love how she competes on the floor every minute she’s out there.”

Additionally, McConnell averaged 11 points per game, had 66 steals, shot 49.2% from the field, won the Atlantic 10 Player of the Week last week and recorded two triple doubles.

McConnell was also named to the Atlantic 10 All-Academic Team.

“It would definitely mean a lot to me, but I’m not really worried about those awards,” McConnell stated earlier in the week about potentially receiving awards. “I just want our team to be successful down in Delaware this week, so that’s what I’m focused on right now.”

What may be puzzling for many Duquesne fans is McConnell’s lack of inclusion on the all-conference defensive team given that her assignment is to defend an opponent’s best guard, steals the ball at a high rate and at 5-foot-7 is 12 rebounds away from setting a new single-season mark.

“Honestly I just kind of go where I need to be and I’m just at the right place at the right time,” said McConnell regarding her rebounding prowess. “Sometimes I do go through people to get it, but I want to put my teammates at the best position, so if I can have the ball in my hands, they can get a quick shot transition.”

While McConnell received recognition from the A-10 coaching staff, other Duquesne players also had an opportunity based upon their play but were not included on any team.

This includes Tess Myers who earned a spot on the Atlantic 10 Preseason All-Conference Third Team. Myers led the Dukes in scoring at 11.9 points per game and sank 86 three-pointers, one behind Massachusetts guard Sydney Taylor for most in the conference. Additionally, Myers shot 84% from the free-throw line.

“Tess is one of the best shooters in the country,” Lea stated. “Keeping her focused and locked in. I always say ‘shooters shoot’ no matter what. I think she’s embraced that role. We need her to play at a high level and she is one of the best here.”

Amaya Hamilton (10.7 ppg/6.5 rebs/86 assists) is another player who took a big jump this season growing to both understand and thrive in her role.

Hamilton’s defense also has taken a large step forward this season and she frequently was tasked with each team’s most lethal post player.

“Amaya has embraced that all-around role,” said Lea. “She can go inside or out, she is a difference maker on our team. She can also defend, a lot of people lose sight that she is an active defender on the other end and we give her some of the biggest assignments and she excels at that.”

Duquesne had five double-digit scorers on its roster this season with post players Ayanna Townsend (10.6 ppg/46.5% FG) and Precious Johnson (10.1 ppg/7 rebs/49% FG/40 blks) rounding out that list and Naelle Bernard (9.8 ppg/55 3’s) right behind them.

In the past when he feels his team has been slighted, Duquesne coach Dan Burt has never been shy to let his feelings be known and that likely will happen once again following Wednesday’s Atlantic 10 Championship First Round contest against Loyola Chicago.

Gibsonia native and UMass forward Sam Breen was named Atlantic 10 Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. All of the votes, as placed by the coaches Monday evening are below.

Atlantic 10 All-Conference Teams

Player of the Year- Sam Breen Massachusetts

Rookie of the Year- Laura Ziegler Saint Joseph’s

Most Improved Player- Maye Toure Rhode Island

Co-Defensive Players of the Year- Asiah Dingle Fordham & Brooke Flowers Saint Louis

Sixth Woman of the Year- Nya Robertson George Washington

Coach of the Year- Tammi Reiss Rhode Island

All-Conference First Team

Anna DeWolfe Fordham

Asiah Dingle Fordham

Sam Breen Massachusetts

Sydney Taylor Massachusetts

Maye Toure Rhode Island

Talya Brugler Saint Joseph’s

All-Conference Second Team

Elle Sutphin Davidson

Megan McConnell Duquesne

Ber’Nyah Mayo Massachusetts

Addie Budnik Richmond

Brooke Flowers Saint Louis

Kyla McMakin Saint Louis

All-Conference Third Team

Kayla Spruill La Salle

Madison Hattix-Covington Rhode Island

Maggie Doogan Richmond

Mackenzie Smith Saint Joseph’s

Laura Ziegler Saint Joseph’s

Sarah Te-Biasu VCU

All-Defensive Team

Asiah Dingle Fordham

Mayowa Taiwo George Washington

Destiney Philoxy Massachusetts

Brooke Flowers Saint Louis

Julia Martinez Saint Louis

All-Rookie Team

Nalani Kaysia George Mason

Nya Robertson George Washington

Mia Jacobs La Salle

Maggie Doogan Richmond

Laura Ziegler Saint Joseph’s

PSN’s Zac Weiss voted in a separate unofficial ballot for a10talk.com and this was what he submitted. All of the teams below were how he ranked the players, not by program’s alphabetical order.

Player of the Year- Sam Breen Massachusetts

Rookie of the Year- Nya Robertson George Washington

Most Improved Player- Maye Toure Rhode Island

Defensive Player of the Year- Megan McConnell Duquesne

Sixth Woman of the Year- Nya Robertson George Washington

Coach of the Year- Rebecca Tillett Saint Louis

All-Conference First Team

Sam Breen Massachusetts

Megan McConnell Duquesne

Sydney Taylor Massachusetts

Kyla McMakin Saint Louis

Maye Toure Rhode Island

Brooke Flowers Saint Louis

All-Conference Second Team

Talya Brugler Saint Joseph’s

Elle Sutphin Davidson

Asiah Dingle Fordham

Nya Robertson George Washington

Anna DeWolfe Fordham

Ber’Nyah Mayo Massachusetts

All-Conference Third Team

Addie Budnik Richmond

Destiney Philoxy Massachusetts

Julia Martinez Saint Louis

Sarah Te-Biasu VCU

Mackenzie Smith Saint Joseph’s

Rosie Deegan Davidson

All-Defensive Team

Megan McConnell Duquesne

Brooke Flowers Saint Louis

Julia Martinez Saint Louis

Asiah Dingle Fordham

Ber’Nyah Mayo Massachusetts

All-Rookie Team

Nya Robertson George Washington

Laura Ziegler Saint Joseph’s

Maggie Doogan Richmond

Nalani Kaysia George Mason

Nayo Lear Dayton

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Duquesne (18-11/8-8 Atlantic 10) was led by both Precious Johnson and Tess Myers, each of whom scored 12 points. Myers made her 200th career three-point basket in this game.

Megan McConnell grabbed 12 more rebounds, giving her 287 on the season, she is another dozen away from setting the all-time single-season record. This is her 16th contest of the campaign with at least 10 rebounds

The Dukes led for 22:11 of game action, compared to 8:41 for their opponent.

Saint Joseph’s (19-9/9-7 A-10) saw Talya Brugler lead the lead with 25 points and eight rebounds. Mackenzie Smith also had a sizeable contribution with 23 points and several timely plays. Laura Ziegler grabbed 12 rebounds to assist the Hawks cause.

Duquesne opened this contest on a 7-2 run, with three different players scoring. Naelle Bernard’s three-point basket, on an Amaya Hamilton pass, was the exclamation point on this brief run.

The quarter featured multiple ties, but each instance featured a Dukes response. Another Bernard triple left Duquesne in front 12-9 as Saint Joseph’s was contained to a 28.6 shooting clip.

After the Hawks again drew an equalizer from downtown, it was the Dukes matching its first-quarter scoring, with a 7-2 flurry to break out of the tie.

Lauren Wasylson opened the run with a three-point basket, before Duquesne went to the post for consecutive scores.

Duquesne led by seven with less than three minutes remaining in the first half when Myers again connected from downtown, but the lead would dwindle to 27-25 at halftime as the Hawks connected twice in the final 39 seconds.

Both teams were quite effective from the field in the third quarter, with Smith again tying this contest, before Townsend converted an and-one opportunity.

While each side again battled for control, Duquesne had a breakthrough when McConnell found Wasylson for a trifecta, giving the Dukes a nine-point edge, its largest of the afternoon.

Saint Joseph’s battled back as its disadvantage was reduced to 47-44 heading into the final quarter.

There, a scoreless streak which went into effect in the third quarter, reached 5:31. The Hawks took full advantage, to the tune of a 15-2 run, activating a Duquesne timeout. The streak ended when Hamilton connected on a hook shot.

Duquesne’s would climb as high as five points, but with 49 seconds remaining in regulation, Johnson’s layup had the team’s separated by a point. The potential game-tying free throw was off the mark and on the ensuing Hawks possession, Smith again converted, this time on the drive.

The Dukes attempted to remain in the game but committed a turnover, as time ran out.

Duquesne will await its placement in the Atlantic 10 Championships as the conference will release the full tournament bracket Saturday night shortly following the conclusion of the St. Bonaventure-Richmond game.

The championship will be held in Wilmington’s Chase Fieldhouse for a second consecutive season. Massachusetts won last year’s event and the automatic NCAA Tournament berth which came with it.

Duquesne WBB +/-

Precious Johnson +146

Megan McConnell +143

Tess Myers +106

Amaya Hamilton +92

Naelle Bernard +87

Ayanna Townsend +51

Olivia Westphal +48

Lauren Wasylson +16

Singo Lekeuneu -1

Aniya Walker -2

Reilly Sunday -27

A-10 only

Precious Johnson +22

Megan McConnell +15

Ayanna Townsend +14

Naelle Bernard +11

Lauren Wasylson +10

Tess Myers +5

Olivia Westphal +5

Amaya Hamilton -6

Singo Lekeuneu -6

Aniya Walker -11

Reilly Sunday -47

The post Duquesne WBB Falls Short In Regular-Season Finale appeared first on Pittsburgh Sports Now.

“I’m just proud of our team,” junior center Precious Johnson said. “I think this is a great achievement, especially going into the conference tournament. It’s just great motivation and shows how far we have come as a team.”

Duquesne (18-10/8-7 Atlantic 10) was paced by Johnson’s career high 21 points on 10-of-15 shooting, while grabbing 11 rebounds, good for her third double-double of the season. Amaya Hamilton added 16 points and Ayanna Townsend added 12 points. It was Hamilton’s 17th double-digit effort of the season.

Megan McConnell had eight points, nine rebounds and seven assists. Her nine rebounds rank her seventh in program history for a single season.

The Dukes won the rebounding battle 40-30 and scored 42 points in the paint, while limiting their turnovers to eight. Duquesne also shot 47.6% from the field.

Loyola Chicago (6-22/1-14 A-10) was paced by Sam Galanopoulos’s 20 points, though she was held to six in the second half. Anna Brown contributed 15 points towards the cause and Kira Chivers 12.

The Ramblers had one of their best conference-game performances this season and were successful from beyond the arc, burying 12 three-point shots.

Loyola Chicago opened play on a 10-2 run, twice connecting on three-point shots. Duquesne went scoreless for the first 2:29 of game action, but would eventually find its way scoring seven of the next 10 points.

Maya Chandler converted on a pull-up jumper, allowing the Ramblers to lead 19-15 after one quarter.

Ayanna Townsend opened the second quarter with two consecutive baskets, allowing the contest to be tied, but the Dukes were unable to break through and take a lead as multiple unforced errors stunted any run the hosts made.

As was the case in the Richmond win, Duquesne was able to successfully execute in the post, enjoying a 20-6 lead there.

Loyola created separation of its own with six first-half triples, compared to Duquesne’s three and took a 33-30 lead into the halftime break.

“It’s so easy to get down when you see the ball go through the net so many times from them on threes,” said Hamilton. “We believed in ourselves and knew we had to get stops. We were down the whole game pretty much but we had the confidence to keep fighting back.”

Duquesne opened the quarter on a 7-2 run with McConnell finding a wide-open Johnson for a layup to allow the Dukes to take their first lead of the evening.

The two sides battled back and forth, with Loyola taking the advantage into the media timeout, after a corner three-point basket, which she followed with another triple coming out of the break.

That edge would shift back Duquesne’s way when Naelle Bernard sank a three-pointer, aided by another McConnell dish.

Loyola would tie the contest in the final minute of the quarter, but Hamilton found open space and converted a jumper, allowing Duquesne to take a 49-47 lead into the final frame.

The contest remained a one-possession affair, until after the final media timeout, when the Dukes earned three consecutive defensive stops and started pulling away.

“I don’t know ever if I say anything about setting a record in a game situation in a timeout and there wasn’t a lot of correction in that timeout,” Duquesne coach Dan Burt commented. “I simply said ‘I want everybody to take a deep breath and understand that we need to take care of business for the next four minutes and you’re going to have your name in the record book. With all of the really good basketball teams we’ve had, especially in the last 15-16 years, your names will go in the record book for the most home wins.’ I don’t know if it did anything, but we won the game… I felt like they needed a bit of a spark.”

Prior to Wednesday evening’s contest, Duquesne honored redshirt junior guard Aniya Walker, graduate student manager Snezhana Serafimoska and student manager Alyssa Brinson for senior day. Walker started for the first time in her Dukes career.

“Emotions were high, we have all been together for so long,” said Johnson. “We’re a family, so knowing people are leaving is emotional, but we wanted to play for them. Even though we struggled a little bit, we showed how much we really wanted this win.”

Burt was also presented a game ball pregame for setting the program record for wins.

The Dukes concludes their regular season Saturday at Saint Joseph’s. That contest will tip off at 2 p.m. and be carried by ESPN3.

POSTGAME VIDEOS

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This is the first time a Duquesne player won the award this season.

“(The award) means a lot to me,” McConnell said after being given the news. “I could not have done it without my teammates and coaches.”

McConnell averaged 18 points and 12.5 rebounds per game in two wins for Duquesne.

Saturday’s game was especially good to McConnell as the five-foot-seven guard achieved career highs with 23 points, 18 rebounds and five three-point baskets, while also earning her 500th career rebound.

The Pittsburgh native also threw in eight assists for good measure.

“Meg has been playing at a high level all season,” Duquesne coach Dan Burt said. “This past week was even better. I’ve never seen a 5-foot-7 point guard with 18 rebounds in a game before. Simply a great player leading her team to wins.”

McConnell also had her brothers, in former Robert Morris Men’s Basketball guard Matty and current Indiana Pacer TJ both attending Saturday’s win. It was the latter’s first time at the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse as he was back in town during the NBA’s All-Star Break.

“It was definitely really high looking up and seeing both of my brothers and T.J. there for the first time,” said McConnell. “I’m happy he was able to come to a game during his all-star break. My family is always there to support, so the blood was rushing for me. The game felt good to me.”

McConnell has had a breakout season to date, as she averages 11.3 points per game placing her second on the team, but also shoots 50.4% from the field, the most successful shooter on the team.

The guard also has made a case to make the Atlantic 10’s All-Conference Defensive Team grabbing 266 defensive rebounds and 62 steals.

Duquesne will host Loyola Chicago Wednesday night in its regular-season home finale at 6 p.m. If the Dukes win this contest, it will set the program record for most home wins in a season.

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McConnell’s family are consistently at her games, but this special occasion saw both her brothers, Matty and Indiana Pacer TJ present as well.

It was almost as if little sister was making sure her older brothers were noticing what she was doing, helping lead the Duquesne Women’s Basketball Team to an 83-69 victory over Richmond.

Considering McConnell set career highs with 23 points and 18 rebounds, in addition to earning eight assists, the potential 5-foot-7 Atlantic 10 All-Defensive Team selection, had good reason to beam with pride, after all she also earned her 500th career board in the triumph.

“It was definitely really high looking up and seeing both of my brothers and T.J. there for the first time,” she said. “I’m happy he was able to come to a game during his all-star break. My family is always there to support, so the blood was rushing for me. The game felt good to me.”

Duquesne played seven on Sunday with each scoring at least three points, grabbing a rebound and six recorded an assist.

This performance came a game after the team set a program record with 20 three-point baskets.

“Everybody contributing and seeing the ball go in the hoop gives us lots of confidence,” stated McConnell. “It lets us know the game is going our way and to keep shooting. It felt really good to see the ball go in the basket for everyone. It makes us feel more connected as a team.”

Duquesne committed 11 turnovers in the first half, to Richmond’s one, but were able to lock down defensively in the final quarter, while refining the offensive principles, to the point that coach Dan Burt praised his offensive coordinator for her best game.

Perhaps that was a reflection upon the team as well as Burt took it one step further when he opined that this game may have been Duquesne’s most complete all season.

Now Duquesne is starting to peak with two games remaining in the regular season, before heading to Delaware for the A-10 Championship.

Duquesne already has its name etched in the program record books, but Wednesday against Loyola, the Dukes could set another mark, this time for home wins.

It is clear that while potentially accomplishing history, this team is having fun together and that starts at the very top.

“I’ve enjoyed this group tremendously. If you watch this game, you’ll see me smiling probably more than you’ll have seen me smile at any time in my career,” said Burt. “To be at 13 home wins, we want get that 14^th on Wednesday, we’re going to do everything we can. We do feel very good with where we are right now.”

TAKE THE PJ TRAIN

Perhaps in the time leading up to midnight following this win, Burt will turn on some smooth jazz as he reflects on such an emphatic team statement.

After all he was not shy to compare basketball to the music genre, spotting parallels, but also bringing it back to his team.

“You have to be able to improvise and create for yourself a little bit,” he offered. “That improvising happened a little bit tonight, but it happened under control and within the context and flow of the offense.”

Duquesne was sluggish in spots in the first quarter, and Burt believed that was because his team needed to establish more of a post presence.

Burt views maintaining post presence as sweeping the floor with hands to create being low without shoulders going over knees, to create an anchor.

This attitude started with Precious Johnson, who returned to the court after missing the St. Bonaventure game.

Johnson perhaps channeled some of that aggression from not being able to compete onto the block, where she firmly established position in the second quarter, to the point of either scoring or drawing a foul with each touch.

“I think just playing freely, not forcing anything but being confident in knowing what I can do,” Johnson explained. “That is setting screens, attacking the rim hard and getting rebounds. I put myself up for the challenge.”

Duquesne consistently found Johnson in the post, setting up the offense and also forcing Richmond to surrender space towards Dukes guards, who sank 12 threes throughout the afternoon, something which only makes the post want to work harder, so others can have those higher-percentage opportunities.

“PJ is such a dangerous weapon that we have on the block because if you play her one-on-one, she’s going to score on you,” said McConnell. “You have to double her and if you do, we’ve got shooters on the floor. PJ has so many moves to her game and when we run 41 or run one, which is our high-ball screen, it sets PJ up to be in the best position to score.”

HE SAID IT

“Amaya was stronger as the game went on, she figured out where her shots were coming from, she figured out with a good, strong foot-fake jab going right, she had the left lane always open and available to her. She felt short of the triple double, but she also had a couple of blocks and three steals, that might have been the most-complete game she has played in a Duquesne uniform.” – Burt on Amaya Hamilton’s 15-point, seven-rebound, eight-assist game

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