DAYTON, Ohio – In its first game of 2021, the Duquesne women's basketball team could not find rhythm offensively, falling to the Dayton Flyers, 64-48 on Sunday afternoon at UD Arena.

The Dukes (2-4, 1-1 A-10) were led by freshman Megan McConnell, who scored a season and game-high 15 points on 5-of-9 shooting from the floor. The Steel City native did not miss a shot from inside the arc and contributed five rebounds and a pair of assists.

Senior guard Amanda Kalin added eight first half points and three rebounds, before missing the second half due to an injury. Diamond Bragg posted six points and five rebounds.

Precious Johnson (6 reb.), McConnell, Bragg, Laia Sole (5 reb.) and Amaya Hamilton (5. reb) all grabbed at least five rebounds on the afternoon.

The Flyers (3-1, 2-0 A-10) were led by Erin Whalen and Araion Bradshaw, who scored 13 and 12 points, respectively.

FIRST QUARTER

• After Duquesne took a 5-4 lead with 4:44 left in the first quarter, the Flyer reeled off a 13-7 run to take a 17-12 lead into the second frame.
• McConnell paced the Duquesne offense with five points in the opening quarter.
• Whalen recorded five points for the Flyers.

SECOND QUARTER

• Dayton increased its lead to as high as 15 points in the second quarter at 31-16.
• At the half, the Flyers led by 13 points at 34-21.
• Kalin had six of Duquesne nine points in the period.

THIRD QUARTER

• The Flyers built its advantage to 23 in the third frame, outscoring the Dukes, 19-9.

• Duquesne's best overall quarter performance came in the fourth, as the Dukes poured in 18 points compared to 11 from Dayton.
• McConnell's six and Lindsey Linard's five points led Duquesne.

NOTES: Amanda Kalin's non-contact injury came at the end of the first half. She did not return to the game.  

UP NEXT: The Dukes host VCU (Jan. 8) and Richmond (Jan. 10) this upcoming weekend at La Roche's Kerr Fitness Center.