Last week the Dukes opened up conference play against Towson, College of Charleston, Northeastern, and William and Mary. The team got off to a 2-0 start against the sub-par foes Towson and Col. of Charleston but ended the week losing against both W&M and Northeastern. It was encouraging to see the Dukes start off conference play well after heading into the week on a three game lose streak. However, just when it looked like the Dukes were back on track they let two very talented teams slide by because of costly mistakes. Northeastern and W&M are ranked second and third in the CAA and a win against one or both of the teams would have made a solid statement. However, the Dukes failed to prove they could play consistently for 40 minutes and it cost them.
Northeastern Game Recap
The Dukes played an excellent first half defensively and offensively as they forced 10 turnovers in the zone and shot above 50% from the field. They went into halftime with a nine point lead and had Northeastern on the ropes. However, the inconsistent Dukes struggled early in the second half and coach Brady switched the team back into man defense. The Dukes are known to struggle in man and Northeastern took full advantage as they fought back and eventually took the lead. As for offense, the Dukes shot a disappointing 33% from the field and were 4-12 from three. The shot selection and lack of set offense run by the Dukes in the second half left them stagnant and unable to find good shots. The inconsistent offense and poor man defense allowed Northeastern to fight back and outscore the Dukes by 15 in the second half.
William and Marry
Last saturday the Dukes played a very talented William and Mary team lead by point guard Marcus Thornton. The Tribe plays a very disciplined and organized game with an efficient offense and suffocating defense. The Dukes fought back and forth with the Tribe for the majority of the game but could not out last their discipline and talent. The Dukes struggled to stop Thornton's scoring and fell short 81-73.
Although the Dukes lost both of these crucial games, it showed we can out play them. However, its the question of whether or not we can out play them for the full 40 minutes rather than only 30-35 minutes a game. If the Dukes can come together and play consistent then they will win these tough games and take down the top teams in the conference.
Northeastern Game Recap
The Dukes played an excellent first half defensively and offensively as they forced 10 turnovers in the zone and shot above 50% from the field. They went into halftime with a nine point lead and had Northeastern on the ropes. However, the inconsistent Dukes struggled early in the second half and coach Brady switched the team back into man defense. The Dukes are known to struggle in man and Northeastern took full advantage as they fought back and eventually took the lead. As for offense, the Dukes shot a disappointing 33% from the field and were 4-12 from three. The shot selection and lack of set offense run by the Dukes in the second half left them stagnant and unable to find good shots. The inconsistent offense and poor man defense allowed Northeastern to fight back and outscore the Dukes by 15 in the second half.
William and Marry
Last saturday the Dukes played a very talented William and Mary team lead by point guard Marcus Thornton. The Tribe plays a very disciplined and organized game with an efficient offense and suffocating defense. The Dukes fought back and forth with the Tribe for the majority of the game but could not out last their discipline and talent. The Dukes struggled to stop Thornton's scoring and fell short 81-73.
Although the Dukes lost both of these crucial games, it showed we can out play them. However, its the question of whether or not we can out play them for the full 40 minutes rather than only 30-35 minutes a game. If the Dukes can come together and play consistent then they will win these tough games and take down the top teams in the conference.