The Richmond Spiders face a crucial moment in their season as they gear up to contest the Duquesne Dukes. This Wednesday evening battle in Richmond, Virginia, could prove pivotal for the Spiders as they strive to put a halt to their current seven-game losing streak.
With a record of 7-15 overall and struggling at 2-7 in the Atlantic 10 Conference, Richmond's performance at home has been somewhat lackluster, achieving 4 victories in 10 home games. However, the Spiders have shown competitive spirit in closely contested matches, maintaining a record of 3-5 in games determined by a margin of 10 points or more. The data signals a pattern where Richmond has faltered in tight situations, an area they hope to improve upon in this matchup.
Looking at the visiting team, the Duquesne Dukes have had a mixed season so far with a 9-13 overall score and a mid-tier 4-5 standing in A-10 conference play. The Dukes exhibit a tendency to find it challenging in nail-biting games, losing both contests decided by less than four points this season. It's a pattern Richmond might look to exploit to their advantage.
An interesting statistic emerges from the Spiders’ gameplay; they make an average of 7.8 three-pointers per game, outperforming the Dukes who surrender approximately 6.7 shots from the three-point line per game. However, defensively, the Spiders need to tighten up as they concede 72.2 points per match, compared to the Dukes' average scoring of 68.3 points.
This upcoming matchup marks the first face-off between the two sides this season in conference play. Both teams will be eager to start this series with a victory, setting the tone for future encounters.
Top Performers to Watch
For Richmond, Jason Roche is a key player to watch. His shooting accuracy from beyond the arc stands at an impressive 42.1%, contributing 1.9 three-pointers to his name per game. Roche's ability to impact the game through long-range shots could be crucial in turning the tide for the Spiders. Another standout is Dusan Neskovic, who has been averaging 16 points over the last 10 games, highlighting his recent form.
On the Dukes' end, Tre Dinkins is a notable contributor, averaging 12.1 points per game. He is supported by Cam Crawford, who has scored an average of 10.7 points in his last 10 outings. Their combined effort on the court will be critical as Duquesne aims to maintain balance and consistency in this tightly contested conference matchup.
Last 10 Game Performance
The Spiders have had a challenging stretch, recording just two victories in their last ten encounters. During this period, they have averaged 60.6 points and 26.6 rebounds per game. Despite their struggles, they’ve managed to display moments of excellence with an average of 12.1 assists and 7.0 steals per contest.
In contrast, Duquesne has achieved a 5-5 record over their past ten games. They have performed impressively with an average of 71.4 points and 31.1 rebounds per game. Defensively, they have been assertive with 15.3 assists and 7.3 steals per game, showcasing their potential to secure victories when they play to their strength.
As this gripping conference duel approaches, both Richmond and Duquesne will aim for a decisive triumph that could shape their remaining season trajectory. Fans and enthusiasts await with anticipation as both teams take to the court this Wednesday, promising an exciting spectacle for all basketball lovers.