PITTSBURGH (Interstat) — In a taut Atlantic 10 clash defined by defensive pressure and missed opportunities, the Saint Louis Billikens held off a persistent Duquesne Dukes squad 81-77 on Tuesday night at A.J. Palumbo Center.

The victory, played before a crowd of 2,266, improved Saint Louis to 18-1 overall and 6-0 in conference play, solidifying its strong start to the season. Duquesne fell to 10-9 and 2-4.

The game was a study in contrasting efficiencies. While both teams finished with an identical 78 possessions, Saint Louis made the most of theirs, shooting 49.1% from the field and 45% from three-point range. Duquesne, conversely, struggled mightily with its shot, connecting on just 34.8% from the floor and a frigid 26.7% from beyond the arc. The Dukes kept themselves in contention by dominating the offensive glass, grabbing 17 rebounds to Saint Louis’ seven, and by making 23 of 31 free throws.

The most important sequence of the game unfolded in the final minute, with Saint Louis clinging to a narrow lead. Leading 77-75 with 26 seconds remaining, the Billikens’ Brady Dunlap was fouled and calmly sank two free throws to extend the lead to four. Duquesne’s Jimmie Williams, who led all scorers with 28 points, then missed a potential game-tying three-pointer with 13 seconds left. After a scramble, the Dukes’ David Dixon secured an offensive rebound and dunked to cut the deficit to 79-77 with just over six seconds to play.

Saint Louis successfully inbounded the ball and Duquesne was forced to foul again, sending Dunlap back to the line with 2.6 seconds on the clock. The sophomore from Studio City, California, again delivered, sinking both attempts to seal the four-point victory, the Billikens’ ninth straight win.

Saint Louis built its victory on balanced scoring and timely plays. Trey Green scored 14 points, including three three-pointers, while Robbie Avila and Dion Brown each added 14 points, with Avila contributing six assists. Kellen Thames provided a key spark off the bench with 10 points, and Brady Dunlap scored 11, with his late free throws proving decisive.

For Duquesne, Williams’ 28-point effort on 10-of-22 shooting was the offensive centerpiece. Tarence Guinyard added 14 points, and David Dixon finished with nine points, nine rebounds and four blocked shots, anchoring the defense.

The first half set the tone for a back-and-forth contest. Saint Louis opened an early lead behind quick ball movement and outside shooting, but Duquesne stayed close through sheer hustle and second-chance points. The Billikens took a 40-38 lead into halftime after Duquesne’s Guinyard hit a three-pointer just before the buzzer.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Saint Louis would build small leads of five or six points, only for Duquesne to claw back, often fueled by Williams’ scoring or offensive putbacks. The Dukes never led in the second half but tied the game twice, the last at 54-54 with just over nine minutes to play. Each time, Saint Louis answered, often with a critical basket from Avila in the post or a three-pointer from Green.

Defensively, Saint Louis forced 16 turnovers and recorded 10 steals, with Quentin Jones contributing three blocks and three steals. Duquesne was equally active, forcing 14 turnovers and collecting 12 steals, led by Williams’ four.

Despite the statistical disparity in shooting, Duquesne’s relentless effort on the boards and at the free-throw line kept the outcome in doubt until the final seconds. In the end, Saint Louis’ superior shot-making and clutch free-throw shooting down the stretch allowed the Billikens to escape Pittsburgh with a hard-fought road win.

Saint Louis next travels to face Saint Bonaventure on Friday. Duquesne will look to rebound on the road at Loyola Chicago on Saturday.