Central State (OH) vs Duquesne prediction: Duquesne's rebuilt backcourt gets a first look against Central State
With Jimmie Williams gone to Ohio State, the Dukes' home-heavy opening stretch is a chance to see how Tarence Guinyard and a wave of transfers share the ball.
- Duquesne should control this one at home. The real interest is in rotations, roles and which newcomers earn minutes.
- Watch Duquesne's ball security: last season's 17.8% turnover rate ranked 261st, a habit worth tracking even against a lesser opponent.
- No spread or total is posted yet. No spread or total is posted yet.
A new shape around Guinyard
Duquesne went 18-15 last season. It brings back 72.2% of its minutes, which makes last season's numbers a fairer guide than usual for this time of year. The biggest hole belongs to Jimmie Williams, who scored 15.0 points per game before leaving for Ohio State.
That leaves Tarence Guinyard as the engine. He averaged 16.6 points and 4.7 assists last season with an offensive rating of 119.3. His fifth-season eligibility is tied to the NCAA five-year litigation, and no ruling on his case had surfaced as of the summer. Behind him, Dru Joyce III, now in his third season, adds transfers Yoav Berman from Queens, who should compete for the starting point guard job, plus Kerem Konan, Josh Smith and Izaiah Pasha.
Threes and turnovers
Last season the Dukes took a lot of threes. Their 3-point attempt rate of 43.8% ranked 95th nationally. Alex Williams gives them a reliable shooter off the bench after hitting 39.6% from deep. Inside, David Dixon shot 60.2% from the field and blocked 1.6 shots a game.
The flaw was giving the ball away. Duquesne's defense forced plenty of turnovers (18.7%, 91st), but its own turnover rate of 17.8% sat 261st. A game like this is where coaches start cleaning that up.
The setting
This game falls in a five-game home opening stretch, the first time in over 50 years Duquesne has started a season that way. Central State plays at Illinois State on Nov. 5 before arriving at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse. ESPN lists the tip as TBA, while Duquesne's schedule shows 7:30 p.m. No line has been posted.
Key players
- Tarence Guinyard (Duquesne): Averaged 16.6 points and 4.7 assists last season, though his eligibility case had no reported ruling as of the summer.
- David Dixon (Duquesne): Shot 60.2% from the field last season with 1.6 blocks per game.
- Alex Williams (Duquesne): Scored 9.2 points per game last season and made 39.6% of his threes.
Numbers that matter
| Returning minutes | 72.2% | Most of last season's rotation is back, so 2025-26 numbers carry real weight. |
|---|---|---|
| Turnover rate, last season | 17.8% | It ranked 261st, the clearest weakness in last season's Duquesne profile. |
| 3-point attempt rate, last season | 43.8% | It ranked 95th, so expect the Dukes to hunt threes. |
| Last meeting | 101-80 | Duquesne's margin over Central State in November 2025. |
Central State (OH) vs Duquesne: quick answers
When is Central State (OH) vs Duquesne?
Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 12:00 AM ET.