LeBron James’ immediate reaction to Duquesne basketball’s stunning upset of BYU.

 

The Duquesne basketball team faced the BYU Cougars in a tough March Madness match on Thursday. The Dukes pulled off a surprise victory over the Cougars, 71-67. Bron James of the Los Angeles Lakers also complimented the squad following their exciting shock victory.

LeBron James hands the Dukes’ major flowers.

James praised Duquesne heartily and mentioned that it was their first NCAA Tournament victory in fifty-five years. Ironically, it’s possible that the Lakers star gave the Dukes some extra motivation in the days leading up to the tournament.

During a team meeting the day before Duquesne’s basketball game against BYU, observers saw that James gave each member of the team a pair of shoes.

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March Madness in Omaha, Nebraska.

Duquesne was ranked No. 11 in the East area going into the highly anticipated basketball game against BYU. They probably wouldn’t have been picked to win by many pundits and supporters. Still, the Dukes were able to proceed because of their depth and skill.

Leading the squad in scoring with 19 points, two assists, and three rebounds was senior guard Dae Dae Grant. Jimmy Clark III, another guard, added 11 points to Grant’s double-digit scoring outburst. Jakub Necas, a rookie forward, also had a standout showing for Duquesne.

During the 2023–24 season, Necas averaged 2.3 points and 1.8 rebounds per 10 minutes of play. He did, however, finish the game on Thursday with 12 points and 6 rebounds. Furthermore, forwards Fousseyni Drame and David Dixon scored eight and seven points, respectively.

The Dukes might pull off another shock in the Round of 32 if they can maintain their team’s all-around performance. For BYU, however, the same cannot be stated.

The Cougars had several outstanding performances to support their ranking as the sixth-seeded team in the East. However, their depth remained hidden. Jaxson Robinson, a senior guard, led the squad in scoring with 25 points. Spencer Johnson, who added a double-double of 11 points and 16 rebounds, joined him.

It was ultimately BYU’s 38% field goal percentage against Duquesne’s 46.4% that proved to be the difference. The Dukes are waiting for a formidable opponent, and the Cougars will regroup for another attempt in 2025.

Will Duquesne keep dancing? 

The Illinois-Morehead State game-winner will play the Dukes. Despite being the third-seeded Illinois team, the No. 16 Eagles remain a formidable opponent. With ten minutes remaining in the first half, Morehead State had a 19–18 lead against the Fighting Illini.

Seeing who prevails against a Duquesne team that is pumped up will be fascinating.

If his efforts inspire the squad to perform as well as they did on Thursday, LeBron James may need to give the Dukes more presents. Without a question, Duquesne’s bench players are capable of producing. Whether they can repeat the feat in the face of greater talent and bulk is the issue.

In the event that the Fighting Illini prevail, Terrence Shannon Jr., who averaged 23.1 points per game in the regular season, will spearhead a well-rounded offensive onslaught against the Dukes. Quincy Guerrier and Coleman Hawkins are also out there in Illinois painting.

Riley Minix’s two-way troops will be the Dukes’ opponent if Morehead State manages to pull off the shock. In terms of points, steals, and rebounds, Minix leads the Eagles.

The East region will continue to experience various forms of March Madness, regardless of the outcome.

If the Fighting Illini find a way to win, they will hit the Dukes with a well-rounded attack led by Terrence Shannon Jr., who scored 23.0 points per game during the regular season. Illinois also has Coleman Hawkins and Quincy Guerrier roaming the paint.

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