Duquesne defeated Mississippi Valley State (0-8) 91-77 this evening, securing a 6-1 record that marks the best start to a season since 2007-08.
Sophomore forward Eric James and senior guard Micah Mason led the way for the Dukes with 18 points each. Senior guard Derrick Colter added 16. Junior center Darius Lewis and sophomore forward TySean Powell also scored in the double digits, contributing 11 and 10, respectively.
Junior forward Isaac Williams led the Delta Devils with 18 points.
James earned a career-high with his 18 off the bench.
Duquesne head coach Jim Ferry said the team benefits from James’ versatility.
“Eric’s been tremendous,” Ferry said. “He’s played really well for us. I think he is starting to find his niche—what he is both offensively and defensively.”
James mentioned his improvement from last season.
“I definitely feel like I’m more confident,” James said. “We’ve been working on me not shooting as many threes and getting to the basket and that’s been working pretty well so far.”
Ferry praised his team’s unselfishness in tallying 23 assists on 38 field goals.
Offensively, the Dukes overpowered Mississippi Valley State, building a 17-2 lead early in the game.
Powell, who said he is getting back into his own groove, came off the bench for the Dukes.
“I don’t think I’ve given my maximum potential to the team yet,” Powell said. “I still have more to give.”
Ferry credited his team’s improvement from last season.
“Last year’s team wouldn’t have been able to do this,” Ferry said. “We wouldn’t have been able to get up 30 like we have on a couple teams. We’re a different team; we’re a better team. We’re better defensively. We’re more experienced and I think you saw that with our seniors.”
The Dukes take on Pittsburgh (4-1) in the 84th City Game at CONSOL Energy Center Friday at 7:05 p.m.
Photo courtesy of goduquesne.com
