VCU Rams Edge Duquesne Dukes in Close Contest
Friday, March 13, 2026, 5:15 PM ET · PPG Paints Arena
VCU Rams 71, Duquesne Dukes 66, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Duquesne Dukes vs VCU Rams?
VCU Rams beat Duquesne Dukes 71-66 at PPG Paints Arena on March 13, 2026.
Who was favored in Duquesne Dukes vs VCU Rams?
VCU Rams were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -345 (about 78% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the VCU Rams defeated the Duquesne Dukes 71-66 at PPG Paints Arena. This victory marks the Rams' third consecutive win, further solidifying their strong performance as they head into the postseason. With a home record of 25-7, VCU showcased their dominance, particularly in the latter part of the season, where they have won nine of their last ten games. Their recent form includes an average of 79.0 points scored and 69.5 points allowed over their last ten outings.
The Rams' recent success can be attributed to their solid scoring, with notable wins against teams like the Dayton Flyers and George Mason Patriots. In their last five games, they averaged 76.8 points while allowing 70.6 points, demonstrating their ability to both score and defend effectively. At home, they have maintained an impressive record of 5-0 in their last five games, which includes a significant victory against the Dayton Flyers where they scored 99 points.
On the other side, the Duquesne Dukes, with an overall record of 18-15, have also shown resilience, winning six of their last ten games. Their recent form has seen them average 69.5 points scored and 72.3 points allowed. They entered this game on a two-game winning streak, including a recent victory over the Rhode Island Rams. However, their away record has been less impressive, with only two wins in their last five away games.
Historically, VCU has had the upper hand in their recent meetings with Duquesne, winning both encounters this season, including a 93-80 victory earlier in January and a 71-62 win last March. This trend continued in their latest matchup, where the Rams managed to hold off the Dukes despite a late surge.
In terms of injuries, the block does not specify any significant absences for either team, suggesting that both sides were at full strength for this important game. The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had VCU favored by 6.5 points, with a total set at 153.5. The odds reflected confidence in the Rams' ability to secure the win, with a money line of -345 for VCU compared to +275 for Duquesne.
The conditions during the game were typical for a late-season college basketball matchup, with both teams playing with urgency as they aimed to improve their standings ahead of the postseason. Fans were treated to a competitive atmosphere as both teams fought for every point.
As the game unfolded, viewers witnessed critical scoring plays that defined the outcome. Notable moments included Jakub Necas' dunk that brought the Dukes within four points late in the second half and Jimmie Williams' driving layup that further narrowed the gap. However, VCU's ability to convert free throws in the closing moments, particularly from Nyk Lewis and Brandon Jennings, ultimately sealed their victory.
In conclusion, the VCU Rams' victory over the Duquesne Dukes highlights their strong form as they approach the postseason, while the Dukes will need to regroup and build on their recent performances. This game serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of college basketball, where every matchup can significantly impact a team's trajectory.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | VCU -6.5 | 153.5 o -105 / u -115 | Duquesne Dukes +275 · VCU Rams -345 |
Leaders
- PointsTerrence Hill Jr.20VCU Rams
- AssistsTerrence Hill Jr.6VCU Rams
- ReboundsMichael Belle7VCU Rams
- PointsAlex Williams20Duquesne Dukes
- AssistsTarence Guinyard7Duquesne Dukes
- ReboundsAlex Williams8Duquesne Dukes
Recent form
VCU Rams
Last 10: 9-1Streak W379 scored · 69.5 allowed per game5-0 at home
- W68-62at Dayton FlyersMar 7
- W70-65vs George Mason PatriotsMar 4
- W82-63vs Fordham RamsFeb 28
- L75-88at Saint Louis BillikensFeb 21
- W89-75vs George Washington RevolutionariesFeb 18
- W78-67at Richmond SpidersFeb 14
- W77-68at La Salle ExplorersFeb 11
- W99-73vs Dayton FlyersFeb 7
- W63-59at Fordham RamsFeb 4
- W89-75vs Loyola Chicago RamblersJan 31
Duquesne Dukes
Last 10: 6-4Streak W269.5 scored · 72.3 allowed per game2-3 away
- W67-61vs Rhode Island RamsMar 12
- W79-77vs Richmond SpidersMar 7
- L52-64at Rhode Island RamsMar 5
- L76-91at Saint Louis BillikensMar 1
- L56-67vs Davidson WildcatsFeb 26
- L66-78at Dayton FlyersFeb 21
- W62-61vs La Salle ExplorersFeb 19
- W78-73at St. Bonaventure BonniesFeb 14
- W88-86vs George Washington RevolutionariesFeb 7
- W71-65at George Mason PatriotsFeb 5
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Louis | 29-6 | - | 15-3 |
| VCU | 28-8 | - | 15-3 |
| Saint Joseph's | 24-12 | 2 | 13-5 |
| Dayton | 25-12 | 3 | 12-6 |
| George Mason | 23-10 | 4 | 11-7 |
| Davidson | 20-14 | 5 | 10-8 |
| Duquesne | 18-15 | 6 | 9-9 |
| George Washington | 19-16 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Fordham | 17-15 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Rhode Island | 16-16 | 8 | 7-11 |
| Richmond | 15-17 | 10 | 5-13 |
| La Salle | 9-23 | 10 | 5-13 |
| St. Bonaventure | 17-17 | 11 | 4-14 |
| Loyola Chicago | 9-24 | 11 | 4-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Duquesne Dukes | VCU Rams |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-55 | 23-49 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 8-25 | 7-16 |
| Three-point % | 32 | 44 |
| Free throws | 10-12 | 18-25 |
| Free throw % | 83 | 72 |
| Rebounds | 33 | 29 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 21 |
| Assists | 16 | 11 |
| Steals | 8 | 6 |
| Blocks | 4 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 9 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 4 | 2 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 26 |
| Fouls | 21 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 10 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 39 | 60 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half32-42Lazar Djokovic makes 24-foot three point jumper (Brandon Jennings assists)
- 2nd Half33-42Tarence Guinyard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half34-42Tarence Guinyard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half36-42David Dixon makes 1-foot dunk (Jimmie Williams assists)
- 2nd Half38-42Jimmie Williams makes 3-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half38-43Terrence Hill Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half40-43Jimmie Williams makes layup (Brandon Hall assists)
- 2nd Half40-45Michael Belle makes layup (Terrence Hill Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half40-47Nyk Lewis makes 10-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half41-47Jimmie Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-47Jimmie Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half42-48Lazar Djokovic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half42-49Lazar Djokovic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-49David Dixon makes layup (Jimmie Williams assists)
- 2nd Half47-49Alex Williams makes 26-foot three pointer (Jake DiMichele assists)
- 2nd Half47-51Lazar Djokovic makes layup (Terrence Hill Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half47-53Michael Belle makes driving layup
- 2nd Half50-53Jake DiMichele makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tarence Guinyard assists)
- 2nd Half50-55Terrence Hill Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half53-55Jimmie Williams makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jake DiMichele assists)
- 2nd Half53-58Terrence Hill Jr. makes 26-foot three point jumper (Michael Belle assists)
- 2nd Half54-58Tarence Guinyard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-58Tarence Guinyard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-59Lazar Djokovic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-60Lazar Djokovic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-62Terrence Hill Jr. makes 12-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half57-62Brandon Hall makes driving layup
- 2nd Half57-64Terrence Hill Jr. makes 12-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half58-64Tarence Guinyard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-64Alex Williams makes layup (Tarence Guinyard assists)
- 2nd Half60-65Lazar Djokovic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-66Lazar Djokovic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-66Jakub Necas makes 2-foot dunk (Tarence Guinyard assists)
- 2nd Half64-66Jimmie Williams makes driving layup
- 2nd Half64-67Terrence Hill Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-68Nyk Lewis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-69Nyk Lewis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-69Alex Williams makes 5-foot dunk
- 2nd Half66-70Brandon Jennings makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-71Brandon Jennings makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours VCU Rams, below favours Duquesne Dukes.
Venue
- PPG Paints ArenaPittsburgh, PA
- OfficialsJeff Clark, Tim Kelly, Greg Evans
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