Duquesne got off to a strong start Sunday against New Mexico State, but the Dukes really struggled late in the first half and dug themselves into a hole.
The Dukes couldn't catch up in the second half and fell, 73-60, for their second straight loss at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse. They also dropped an 82-71 decision to Marshall on Thursday after winning six in a row.
Duquesne had a miserable shooting day against New Mexico State, making just 33 percent overall (18 for 55) and a woeful 16 percent from 3-point territory (4 of 25), including 1 of 11 in the first half. The Dukes' leading scorer on the season, Dae Dae Grant, was 0 for 8 from 3.
Jimmy Clark III led Duquesne with 16 points, while Grant and Joe Reece had 12 apiece.
The Dukes (7-3) jumped out to an 8-2 lead to start the game, only to see the visiting Aggies roar back and lead by as many as 10 in the first half. It was 35-27 at the break, and after pulling within 35-30 early in the second half, Duquesne saw New Mexico State go on an 11-2 run to stretch the margin to 46-32.
The game was never in doubt after that, with the Dukes never drawing closer than eight points.
The Dukes' next game will be at home against DePaul on Wednesday. Tipoff is 7 p.m.
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