Duquesne Dukes Defeat La Salle Explorers in Conference Matchup

Duquesne extends winning streak to four games with home victory over struggling La Salle squad.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The Duquesne Dukes defeated the La Salle Explorers 78-73 in a conference matchup at the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Duquesne led 45-33 at halftime but had to hold off a late rally by La Salle in the second half. Jimmie Williams led the Dukes with 19 points and 4 rebounds, while Tarence Guinyard added 18 points and 3 rebounds. La Salle was led by Rob Dockery's 17 points and 8 rebounds, but the Explorers' losing streak extended to five games.

Why it matters

This win extends Duquesne's winning streak to four games and keeps them in contention in the competitive Atlantic 10 Conference. Meanwhile, La Salle continues to struggle, having now lost five straight games and falling to just 3-9 in conference play this season.

The details

Duquesne shot 44% from the field, 37% from three-point range, and 69% from the free throw line in the game. The Dukes were able to build a 12-point halftime lead and then held off a late push by La Salle in the second half. For the Explorers, they shot 39% from the field, 21% from three, and 76% from the free throw line. Rob Dockery and Ashton Walker combined for 31 of La Salle's 68 points in the losing effort.

  • Duquesne led 45-33 at halftime.
  • The game was played on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 7:00 PM EST.

The players

Jimmie Williams

A key player for the Duquesne Dukes, scoring 19 points and grabbing 4 rebounds in the win.

Tarence Guinyard

Duquesne's second-leading scorer with 18 points and 3 rebounds in the game.

Rob Dockery

Led the La Salle Explorers with 17 points and 8 rebounds in the losing effort.

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What they’re saying

“We knew La Salle would make a run in the second half, but our guys did a great job of weathering the storm and holding on for the win.”

— Keith Dambrot, Duquesne Head Coach (Duquesne Athletics)

“We just couldn't get enough stops down the stretch to complete the comeback. Credit to Duquesne, they made the plays when it counted.”

— Fran Dunphy, La Salle Head Coach (La Salle Athletics)

What’s next

Duquesne will look to extend their winning streak to five games when they host George Mason on Saturday. La Salle will try to snap their five-game skid when they travel to take on Saint Joseph's next Wednesday.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the two teams this season. Duquesne continues to surge in Atlantic 10 play, while La Salle's struggles have them falling further behind in the conference standings. The Dukes' balanced scoring attack and ability to hold off La Salle's late comeback proved to be the difference in this matchup.