COLUMBIA, S.C.(AP) -Damian Saunders scored 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to lead Duquesne past South Carolina-Upstate 79-69 on Tuesday night.
The Dukes are off to a 4-0 start for the second consecutive year. Last year, Duquesne opened 6-0 - its best start in 28 years - en route to posting the school's first winning record in 14 years at 17-13.
Leading 44-40 at halftime, the Dukes scored the first five points of the second half. The Spartans (0-4), trying for their first win of the season, scored the next 11 points to cut the lead to 51-49, but could get no closer.
Jason Duty chipped in 17 points for Duquesne and Aaron Jackson was a triple threat with 15 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists.
Bobby Davis led the Spartans with 24 points on 10-of-14 shooting while De'Marion Gordon added 11.
