Duquesne rallies late to edge Washington State

Washington State led for most of the game and went ahead by 11, 62-51, after Jaylen Harrell’s basket with 8:36 remaining. Duquesne mounted a late comeback, taking a 72-71 lead when Kerem Konan completed a three-point play with 12.8 seconds left at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse in Pittsburgh on November 10.

The Cougars had one final chance. After Sebastian Akins put Washington State ahead 71-69 with 32 seconds remaining, the teams traded fouls and Washington State set up Lazerek Houston for a shot. His 14-foot attempt at the buzzer missed, leaving the Cougars at 0-3 and Duquesne unbeaten at 3-0.

Konan led Duquesne with 13 points, five rebounds and nine assists. Josh Smith also scored 13, while Arness Lawson added 12. Harrell paced Washington State with 19 points and five assists; Houston had 12 points and five assists, and Tyler Kropp scored 10 off the bench.

Washington State committed three turnovers in its final six possessions. Coach David Riley also pointed to rebounding and Duquesne’s scoring inside, as well as the Dukes’ 19-2 advantage in second-half free throws. Ronnie Harrison, playing after missing the first two games, left with a re-injured ankle after 22 minutes.

Both teams are scheduled to play Saturday. Duquesne will host Binghamton, while Washington State will host Northwest (WA).