ALTOONA, Pa. -- Duquesne's season opener against Rider went back and forth, back and forth for more than 30 minutes, then the Dukes dominated late to pull out a comfortable 73-61 victory Tuesday night.
The game marked the first time fans could watch Duquesne at the new UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse, and a crowd of 2,276 showed up to watch the season-opening win.
Rider led 33-31 at the half, and the teams were tied at 51 with 8:52 to go. Then Duquesne erupted for a 20-4 run over the next six minutes to build a 71-55 lead.
Several transfers enjoyed a big night in their Dukes debuts.
Kevin Easley, a transfer from TCU, led the Dukes with 16 points. Tre Williams, a transfer forward from Indiana State, had 14 six rebounds and four assists. Leon Ayers III, a transfer from Mercer, added 12 points.
Freshman Primo Spears had 14 points and seven assists in his college debut for Duquesne.
Dwight Murray Jr. led Rider with 17 points.
The difference in the game was 3-point shooting, as Duquesne buried 12-of-30 shots, while Rider made only 2-of-16. The Dukes also made all 13 of their free-throw attempts.
Duquesne coach Keith Dambrot improved to 22-4 in non-conference home games. The Dukes are 88-18 all-time in season openers, which includes an 83-4 record at home.
Duquesne's next game will be against Hofstra on Saturday at 7 p.m. at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse.
