Going into Tuesday night’s game, even with a 6-3 record, Slippery Rock (7-3) was not to be taken lightly, and it showed in the first quarter. The Dukes (9-1) were not able to establish a double-digit lead early in the game, something it has done all year.
It was Kadri-Ann Lass’ layup at the 4:53 mark that eventually gave Duquesne its first double-digit lead, putting them up 12-2. However, it wouldn’t last long. Over the next two possessions Slippery Rock eroded that 10 point lead to just five, 12-7, with 3:50 left in the first quarter.
Duquesne struggled to maintain a comfortable double-digit lead until midway through the second quarter when they established and maintained at least a 10-point lead, after a three-pointer by Julijana Vojinovic, at the 4:00 mark that put Duquesne up 32-21.
After a rocky start early in the third quarter in which Slippery Rock would come to within seven of catching the Dukes, 44-37, Duquesne’s offense exploded and eventually late in the game, it had established its largest lead of the game, by a 28 points, 77-51.
Despite its 25 point win, Duquesne’s head coach Dan Burt said he was not pleased at all with his team’s performance on the court.
“Obviously I am not very happy with tonight’s performance,” Burt said. “We played uninspired, we played with a lack of focus, and defensively with a lack of effort,” he continued.
DevaNyar Workman said concerning the Duke’s winning streak at home, “It builds our confidence so much, we don’t anybody coming in here thinking this is their house—this is our house and we plan on keeping it that way.”
With a double-double, 20 points, 10 rebounds and three assists, Szamosi was the game’s high scorer. Krista Pietropola with 15 points and two rebounds was Slippery Rock’s high scorer.
Checking in with 3:10 left in the game, Waskowiak entered the game to a standing ovation. This was her NCAA game. In 2013 she suffered an almost career-ending leg injury prior to the start of her freshman year.
Duquesne will host St. John’s Saturday at 4:30, the second of a double-header after the men’s team play crosstown rivals Robert Morris.
