Jan. 24, 2007
Box Score | Photo Gallery
PITTSBURGH (AP) - Kieron Achara made two go-ahead free throws with 25 seconds remaining, then blocked a shot by Dayton star Brian Roberts in the closing seconds and fast-breaking Duquesne rallied from a 10-point deficit to upset Dayton 93-89 Wednesday night.
Robert Mitchell scored 24 points, Scott Grote had 14 and normally little-used freshman walk-on Jason Duty had 13, including two key free throws in the closing minute. Duquesne (6-11, 2-4 Atlantic 10) rallied from a 70-60 deficit with 11 minutes remaining and an eight-point deficit in the final 3:34.
Aaron Jackson sealed Duquesne's third significant surprise victory this season - it also upset Boston College and Saint Louis - by making three of four free throws in the final two seconds.
Dayton (13-6, 3-3) lost its fifth in eight games despite Roberts' 28 points - all but eight in the second half. Charles Little had 21 and Monty Scott 17 for the Flyers, who hadn't lost at Duquesne since 1997.
Dukes coach Ron Everhart decided last week after two lethargic home-court losses to switch to an all-out pressure defense and quick-shooting offense.
The VMI-like scheme surprised Massachusetts, which had to scramble Sunday for a 101-87 victory in which Duquesne stayed close most of the way. With more time to practice the new system before playing Dayton, the Dukes scored 27 points off the 25 Flyers turnovers they forced and made 26 of 29 free throws.
Duquesne shook off a 13-2 Flyers run midway through the second half to get back to within 75-74 with 8:30 remaining on Mitchell's 3-pointer. The Flyers bounced back to lead 85-78 but were outscored 15-4 after that as Duquesne ended a five-game home losing streak.
Dayton is 0-6 on the road, including an 84-54 loss at now-No. 9 Pittsburgh last month. The Flyers had won eight in row at Duquesne since 1997 and owned an 18-3 record against the Dukes in the Atlantic 10.
