Dukes frustrate their coach in loss

With a loaded, veteran roster that only graduated one player last season, this was supposed to be the Duquesne women’s year to compete for an Atlantic 10 title and another NCAA berth.

Instead, after Wednesday’s 62-47 loss to Davidson, in which the Dukes shot 33.3 percent from the field, made one field goal in the third quarter and committed 19 turnovers, they’re looking at a 7-8 record (1-1 A-10) and one very frustrated coach.

“We are a bad basketball team that doesn’t play hard enough, that is selfish and frankly, can’t shoot a basketball to save our lives at this point,” said Dan Burt. “I am completely at my wits’ end, with the character and the talent that we have, to be in the situation we are in.”

Turnovers didn’t help — the Dukes had 13 in the second half, and were held to 18 second-half points.

But it was his team’s defensive efforts that frustrated Burt most.

“Shooters are comfortable shooting their shots against us,” he said. “We think because our hand is there, that that’s acceptable. Well, if they can shoot it, then they’re not that uncomfortable.”

Other women

West Virginia 67, Oklahoma State 58: Tynice Martin poured in 21 points and Katrina Pardee had 14 as the host Mountaineers (10-4, 1-2 Big 12) topped the Cowgirls (10-4, 1-2).

Men

Kansas State 71, West Virginia 69: The host Wildcats (11-4, 1-2 Big 12) scored 50 points in the second half to hand the Mountaineers (8-7, 0-3) their third consecutive conference loss.