Expect a fast-paced game when the Massachusetts Minutemen (10-13) travel to Duquesne to take on the Dukes (15-9). The game begins at 3:00 pm ET on Sunday, Feb. 14.
The Dukes are hoping to rebound after their 76-74 loss to Dayton the last time they played. Micah Mason finished with 27 points to lead the game. The Minutemen, meanwhile, are coming off a 69-63 win over VCU in their last game. Jabarie Hinds stood out for Massachusetts, registering 18 points, seven assists, and five steals.
Over the last five games, Mason has taken his game to another level for the Dukes. During that stretch, he has averaged 21.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.2 steals, and 4.2 three-pointers.
The Dukes have gone 15-9 Straight Up (SU) and 11-10 Against The Spread (ATS). The Dukes have no trouble scoring as they rank 38th in the nation in offense with 79.2 points per game. Duquesne has an edge in the rebounding department for this game, where it racks up an average of 40.6 rebounds per game. Crossing over to the defensive side of the court, teams have to fight for open shots against the Dukes, who have one of the best opponent field-goal percentages in the country at .403.
Across the court, the Minutemen have 10-13 SU and 7-13-1 ATS records. The Massachusetts defense has been a problem for competitors, allowing only .315 shooting from three-point range.
These conference foes meet for what will be their first head-to-head battle of the season. Massachusetts won the last game in the matchup, moving its SU record against Duquesne to 6-4 in their most recent head-to-head meetings. The Dukes lead the matchup ATS with a record of 6-4. When it comes to field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers, Massachusetts held the edge in all three of these categories one time in the last five meetings. Duquesne never did so in those games.
Predictions: SU Winner – UMass, ATS Winner – UMass
Notes
Duquesne averages 79.2 points per game (ranked 38th). Massachusetts, on the other hand, allows 76.6 points per game (ranked 216th).
The Duquesne Dukes average 73.4 possessions and 1.079 points per possession in games this season. The Massachusetts Minutemen average fewer possessions with 72.6, as well as fewer points per possession with 1.026.
Duquesne averages an effective field goal percentage of 53.4%. Massachusetts has not won a game this season when opponents have a similar or higher effective field goal percentage (0-5).
On average, the Duquesne Dukes attempt 25.0 three point field goals per game and the Massachusetts Minutemen attempt 22.0. In games where they attempt at least 20 three pointers, Duquesne has a solid record of 14-8, while Massachusetts has a subpar record of 5-9.
Duquesne, the 27th-ranked team in rebounding, register an average of 40.6 rebounds per game. Massachusetts does worse, ranked 191st with 36.0.
The Massachusetts Minutemen make an average of 6.3 steals per game. When the Duquesne Dukes give up 6 or more steals, they are a winning 8-3.
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