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GAME NOTES: The struggling Massachusetts Minutemen limp into Pittsburgh for an Atlantic 10 Conference clash with the Duquesne Dukes.

Losses in three straight outings and eight of the last nine have dropped the Minutemen to 8-15 overall and 2-7 in conference. They have posted only one true road victory in nine tries, so there is little reason for confidence tonight. On Saturday, UMass actually put forth a solid effort against Rhode Island on the road, but that game ended in a 93-85 setback.

Wins in two of the last three games have enabled the Dukes to move a game above .500 at 12-11, but they are still a disappointing 3-6 in A-10 action. They knocked off George Washington on the road last Saturday by a 70-63 final, and now return home where they have earned eight of their 12 victories.

UMass owns a 33-23 series lead over Duquesne, which includes wins in four of the last five meetings.

Ricky Harris has been the leading scorer for UMass in six consecutive outings and is clearly the top option for the team at the offensive end of the floor. Harris is netting 18.8 ppg, while Anthony Gurley (14.3 ppg) is the only other double-digit scorer in the fold. While the Minutemen are generating 71.6 ppg on 40.6 percent shooting, they are allowing 75.4 ppg to foes. Harris was tremendous against Rhode Island last time out, as he poured in 32 points on 10-of-17 shooting from the field. Gurley added 15 points off the bench for the Minutemen, who shot nearly 50 percent from the floor and earned a 45-35 rebounding advantage. Unfortunately, they were outscored by 10 points from the foul line and turned the ball over 21 times.

Duquesne is a young team with three sophomores and two juniors in the starting lineup. Damian Saunders is the team's best player, as the standout forward is netting 15.0 ppg on 50.9 percent shooting from the floor. Far from just a scorer, Saunders is ripping down 12.4 rpg to rank among the national leaders, and he has blocked 75 shots to go along with 63 steals. Bill Clark provides 12.9 ppg for the Dukes, who are getting 12.1 ppg from Melquan Bolding. Eric Evans and B.J. Monteiro add further balance to the lineup with 10.3 ppg apiece. While the Dukes are scoring 67.0 ppg, they are allowing 67.9 ppg to opponents. Against George Washington last Saturday, Duquesne held the Colonials to 34.3 percent shooting from the field. Saunders exploded for 27 points and 16 rebounds, while Bolding finished with 14 points.

Duquesne gets the edge over visiting UMass tonight. Keep an eye on Saunders, as he is one of the best players in the A-10.