Observations from Wednesday's loss to Duquesne

-Why is it that Charlotte seems to bring out the best of an opponent’s worst trait? Duquesne, which entered Wednesday’s game last in the 14-team Atlantic 10 in 3-point field goal percentage (25.5 percent) – and one of the worst in the country – opened up the first half making two of its first three from long-range and was 5-of-12 for the half (41.7 percent). The Dukes ended the game making 8-of-22 3-pointers (36.4 percent).

-With 10½ minutes left in the first half, Duquesne’s Lucas Newton got a wide-open look for layup but he lofted the ball so softly, it hit the bottom of the rim. Charlotte freshman Chris Braswell grabbed the rebound but referee Mark Schnur called the basket good as a result of goaltending. With Charlotte players and coaches begging for an explanation, the referee said the net was touched by Charlotte. If the net moved at all, it was only because the ball hit it on the way down.

-Former North Mecklenburg standout Andre Marhold is seeing limited minutes this season for Duquesne. Prior to Wednesday, Marhold had played in 15 games and averaging less than a point and rebound a game. He played a season-high 16 minutes in the Dukes’ Dec. 9 loss at West Virginia. Marhold played six minutes Wednesday, all in the first half, and was 0-for-2 from the field.

-Uncharacteristically bad night from Charlotte’s backcourt. Point guard DiJuan Harris had 15 points, four assists and two steals but also had a game-high eight turnovers. Shooting guard Derrio Green played 30 minutes and finished with 13 points, two assists and two steals but was 4-of-13 from the field, including 2-of-9 on 3-pointers. Green also fouled out with less than two minutes left in the game.