In what promises to be an exciting face-off in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), the Longwood Lancers (22-11, 13-6 Big South) are set to take on the Duquesne Dukes (19-12, 10-10 A-10) in Pittsburgh this Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 6 p.m. EDT.
Both teams have had notable seasons, each carving out their identity while striving for continued success in the postseason. The Longwood squad enters the game with a solid overall record of 22-11, featuring a 13-6 performance in Big South play. Meanwhile, the Duquesne Dukes stand at 19-12 overall, with a 10-10 record in A-10 competition, reflecting a mix of achievements in their schedule.
This game will unfold at Duquesne's home court, adding a layer of pressure and excitement for both teams. Historically, home-field advantage has played a critical role in basketball games, and the Dukes will surely hope to capitalize on this factor to secure a victory.
The statistics from this season indicate a competitive matchup. Longwood leads the Big South with an impressive average of 10.6 offensive rebounds per game, showcasing their tenacity on the boards with Otaifo Esenabhalu leading this effort with an average of 3.2. In contrast, Duquesne has found success in its three-point shooting, averaging 10.2 made three-pointers per game, which is a significant advantage as it exceeds the 5.2 shots allowed by Longwood on average.
On the side of offensive production, the Lancers are spearheaded by Walyn Napper, who is averaging 16.2 points per game alongside 6.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists. His all-around performance will be vital if Longwood hopes to advance further in the tournament. Another key player for the Lancers is Leslie Hunter, boasting an average of 10.8 points across the last ten games, reflecting his rising contributions at a pivotal time.
For the Dukes, the spotlight falls on Precious Johnson, who leads Duquesne with an average of 10.7 points per game. Additionally, Megan McConnell has been impressive, contributing 18.3 points per game along with 7.2 rebounds and 5.2 assists, marking her as a player to watch this Thursday.
In their last ten games, the Dukes have struggled slightly with a 4-6 record while averaging 65.3 points and shooting 39.1% from the field. Their opponents averaged 67.1 points, highlighting a need for stronger defensive efforts. On the other hand, the Lancers have performed decently with a 6-4 record, managing to average 64.2 points per game and a more efficient shooting percentage of 42.7%. Notably, Longwood's opponents have averaged 59.3 points, showcasing their defensive proficiency.
The matchup presents a significant opportunity for both teams to stake their claim as formidable challengers in the postseason. Longwood has held firm against challenging opponents, igniting hopes among their fans for an extended postseason run. However, Duquesne will be eager to maximize their home-court advantage this Thursday, aiming to make an impact with a strong performance.
The game promises to be more than just a contest for wins—it’s a moment for both teams to demonstrate their growth throughout the season. As fans eagerly anticipate this matchup, only time will tell if the Lancers can capitalize on their rebounding prowess or if the Dukes will shine with their perimeter shooting. Whatever the outcome, this game is set to deliver thrilling moments on the road to the NIT.
