Ron Everhart has most definitely brought back the enthusiasm for the Duquesne program within Pittsburgh, with a sold-out crowd filling the new CONSOL Energy Center being the latest piece of evidence. But the Dukes also saw that it takes a little bit more to become the class of the Atlantic 10, an honor that Xavier has earned in each of the last four seasons. The combination of Tu Holloway, Dante' Jackson and good defense put the Musketeers one step closer to a fifth consecutive regular season title as they beat Duquesne 71-63. Holloway scored 15 of his game-high 20 points in the second half to lead four Xavier (18-6, 9-1) players in double figures (Jackson added a career-high 19), and defensively the Musketeers limited Duquesne to 25.9% shooting in the second half. 

B.J. Monteiro led three Dukes (16-7, 8-2) in double figures with 17 points while Bill Clark added 14 and 11 rebounds in a losing effort. Duquesne also struggled from the foul line, making 13 of 27 for the game with an 8-for-19 showing in the second half sealing their fate. By comparison Xavier made 22 of their thirty free throw attempts on the day while also out-rebounding Duquesne 41-32, and it's the little things that tend to separate champions from contenders by the end of the season. Both teams shot well in the first half as Duquesne took a 37-36 lead into the locker room behind 14 points from Monteiro. Kenny Frease (12 points) and Jackson (11) kept the Musketeers afloat offensively as they waited for Holloway to mount his charge.