Duquesne’s Historic NCAA Tournament Victory: Stunning BYU in First Win since 1969
Keith Dambrot and his Duquesne Dukes made a statement in the 2024 NCAA Tournament with a stunning upset win over No. 6 seed BYU. This victory marks the first NCAA Tournament win for the Duquesne Dukes since 1969, a historic moment for the program.
The win came just three days after Dambrot, who has been coaching the Dukes since 2017 and was LeBron James’ high school coach, announced his plans to retire at the end of the season. However, with this impressive performance, it seems like his retirement plans may have to be put on hold.
“They just don’t want me to retire, I guess,” Dambrot said postgame. “I’m trying to get to the promised land, and they’re making me keep coaching.”
In his final season, Dambrot led Duquesne to the Atlantic 10 championship and secured the program’s first NCAA Tournament bid since 1977. The Dukes’ last tournament win came on March 15, 1969, against St. John’s in an East Regional third-place game. It’s worth noting that there were only 25 teams in the tournament back in 1969, which ended with John Wooden winning his fifth title with UCLA.
Against BYU, it was Dae Dae Grant who led the way for Duquesne with 19 points, while Fousseyni Drame contributed with eight rebounds. Jakub Necas, who usually averages just 2.3 points and 1.8 rebounds per game, had a standout performance off the bench with 12 points.
The key to Duquesne’s victory was their suffocating defense, which gave BYU little space to shoot. The Cougars struggled to find their rhythm, going just 22-of-57 from field-goal range. Jaxson Robinson was the leading scorer for BYU with 25 points, but the rest of the team struggled to make an impact.
From the very start of the game, Duquesne set the tone with a 17-7 run. They even held a 14-point advantage early in the second half. Although BYU managed to tie the game at 60-all with 1:45 left to play, Duquesne maintained their lead throughout the game. By securing this upset win, Duquesne continues a streak that has seen at least one No. 11 seed win a first-round game in the NCAA Tournament every year since 2005.
Looking ahead, Duquesne will face the winner of the No. 3 Illinois versus No. 14 Morehead State matchup. This game is scheduled for Thursday at 3:10 p.m. ET.
Duquesne’s defensive prowess played a significant role in their victory over BYU. Throughout their nine-game winning streak, the Dukes have emerged as one of the best defensive teams in college basketball. Their constant pressure caused BYU to miss their first eight shots and struggle to find any offensive rhythm.
Jimmy Clark III was instrumental in Duquesne’s defensive efforts, jumping into passing lanes and making crucial steals. Clark, who was dismissed from VCU in 2021, showcased his speed and athleticism down the stretch, finishing the game with 11 points and four steals.
BYU’s perimeter shooting was heavily contested by Duquesne’s tight defense. Aside from Jaxson Robinson, who scored 25 points and made 5-of-11 three-pointers, the rest of the team struggled to find success from beyond the arc. Duquesne’s defenders were physical and denied off-ball screening actions, making it difficult for BYU to get open looks.
The Cougars eventually found success by driving to the paint and attacking the Dukes’ defense from multiple angles. However, their inability to convert on close-range shots, particularly from center Fousseyni Traore, proved costly.
Despite struggling on offense, Duquesne made enough plays down the stretch to secure the win. Jimmy Clark III’s steal and dunk came at a crucial moment when the team was struggling to find quality looks on offense.
Overall, Duquesne’s historic victory over BYU showcases the team’s defensive prowess and resilience. They have proven themselves as a force to be reckoned with in this year’s NCAA Tournament. As they look ahead to their next matchup, the Dukes will undoubtedly carry this momentum and continue to surprise their opponents.