The Dukes came into this game with a record of 10-11, following losses to Prospect and OPRF. While the record difference was evident (DGN sat at 12-2 before last night), Dukes fans expected this one to be another close battle, as both teams matched up to each other well from a talent perspective. The last time these two teams played, DGN won 41-40 on their home turf back in December. It is also important to note that the Trojans were without one of their better players, as center George Wolkow was inactive. Here is how last night’s game shaked out.

1st Q

The game began as another fast-paced track meet, with limited offense however. DGN got some good looks from 3-point range in transition, helping to grow an early lead. York brought in subs of Simon Redfearn, Logan Rice, and Ryan Pechous, and these active defenders helped slow down DGN’s offense for the rest of the quarter. Adam Hardek of York hit a big 3, but leading scorer AJ Levine missed all of his shots in the quarter, so DGN led by 5 at the end of the 1st.

DGN-12 YORK-7

2nd Q

Coming out of the break, York came out sharp, as Coach Dunn drew up some nice plays to get Braden Richardson open on the block on the first two possessions. However, the offense went cold once again, as DGN was playing really aggressive on York’s guards, making it tough for them to get any space to shoot. Credit to Owen Thulin of DGN as he held Levine scoreless until the final minute of the half. York also struggled to get to draw fouls and get to the free throw line in the first half. As for the Trojans, they lived and died by the 3, but Finn Kramper hit some big shots off the bench. For the most part though, the defenses dominated this quarter, and DGN still held the lead.

DGN-21 YORK-16

3rd Q

As York typically does, they start out playing well at the start of a half or quarter, as four quick points cut the Trojan lead to one. Kyle Waltz of the Dukes was taking pages out of DGN’s book, as he had multiple transition buckets including a big 3 to give the lead back to York. Waltz caught fire in the quarter with 8 points overall. Then it was DGN’s turn to go cold, especially from the 3-point line, missing all but one of their shots in the early going on the 3rd. All of their offense seemed to be coming from transition buckets, something that the Dukes just could not adjust against throughout the game. The quarter ended with the game tied at 33; York went 6/7 from the field and made three 3s. More importantly, the Dukes had tied the game, and held all the momentum.

DGN-33 YORK-33

4th Q

Fans expected an exciting finish to the game, and that’s exactly what we got. With the game tied at 33 going into the 4th, York and DGN exchanged leads all throughout the quarter. York took the lead to start, after several offensive rebounds led to made free throws, something that had not happened all game for the Dukes. The York ball press was dominating as well, highlighted by Ryan Pechous’ efforts. Just when it looked like the Dukes were pulling away, they shot themselves in the foot, turning the ball over and having lapses on defense, freeing up open Trojan shooters who made some big shots. All of a sudden, the Dukes were trailing 39-37 with 1:37 to go. Richardson made a game-tying layup, and after DGN missed their final shot, the Dukes found themselves playing in overtime once again.

DGN-39 YORK-39

OT

York found themselves on the wrong side of OT during a 63-62 loss vs OPRF last week, and once again, things went south last night. DGN had a very long possession that was highlighted by 3 offensive rebounds, before a 3 was made. DGN led by 47-42 with a minute to go, before a foul was called on York, followed by a technical foul on Coach Dunn who disagreed with the call. This led to 4 made free throws and the ball for the Trojans, basically putting the game out of reach. Final Score 51-42 in favor of the Trojans, following an anti-climatic OT period.

DGN-51 YORK-42

 It was another hard fought effort for the Dukes, but more offensive inconsistency and situational errors cost them. The Dukes fall to 10-12 and wil take on Glenbard North next week.