Duquesne Dukes vs St. Bonaventure Bonnies Pick – 3/13/2025

The Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament heats up as the No. 8 seed St. Bonaventure Bonnies face off against the No. 9 seed Duquesne Dukes on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Both teams split their regular-season encounters, each securing a victory on their home court. This neutral-site game serves as the tiebreaker, with the winner advancing to challenge the top-seeded VCU in the next round.

Duquesne Dukes vs. St. Bonaventure Bonnies Game Preview

St. Bonaventure concluded the regular season with a 21-10 record, including a 9-9 mark in conference play. The Bonnies demonstrated resilience, winning four of their final five games. Their defense has been a cornerstone, allowing just 64.8 points per game, ranking them 21st nationally. Offensively, they average 69.5 points per game. Key contributors include senior guard Melvin Council Jr., who leads the team with 14.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, and Chance Moore, adding 12.9 points and a team-high 6.4 rebounds per game.

Duquesne finished the season at 13-18, with an 8-10 record in the A-10. The Dukes showed signs of improvement late in the season, winning four of their last eight games. They average 69.5 points per game while allowing 67.5 points, placing them 55th nationally in defense. Sophomore forward Jakub Necas has been a standout, shooting 6 of 7 from the field, including 2 of 3 from beyond the arc, for 14 points in their recent overtime loss to Saint Louis. Senior guard Tre Dinkins leads the team with 13 points per game.

Betting Insights

• Spread: St. Bonaventure favored by 1.5 points.
• Over/Under: Set at 129.5 points.
• Moneyline: St. Bonaventure -130, Duquesne +109.

St. Bonaventure has been strong against the spread (ATS) at neutral sites, boasting a 3-0 record this season. Duquesne has also performed well ATS recently, going 7-1 over their last eight games. Notably, the under has hit in six of Duquesne's last seven neutral site games as an underdog, and in 29 of St. Bonaventure's last 39 neutral site games as an underdog.

Duquesne Dukes vs. St. Bonaventure Bonnies Prediction

Considering the Bonnies' superior defensive metrics and recent form, they appear to have the edge in this contest. Their ability to limit opponents' scoring, combined with the offensive leadership of Council Jr. and Moore, positions them favorably. While Duquesne has shown resilience and improved play, their overall season performance and defensive rankings suggest challenges in containing St. Bonaventure's attack. Therefore, the prediction leans towards St. Bonaventure covering the spread and the total points staying under 129.5.