Updated

First-year Duquesne coach Jim Ferry is still learning how to navigate Pittsburgh, but Ferry knows he doesn't have to be an expert to realize how important Wednesday night's City Game against crosstown rival Pitt is to his program.

The Dukes (4-3) have dropped 11 straight to the Panthers (7-1) and while Ferry says his rebuilding team will prepare like it's just another game, he understands a victory would add some juice to a rivalry that's been one-sided most of the last three decades.

The Panthers beat the Dukes 80-69 at Consol Energy Center last year but it came at a high cost after point guard Tray Woodall went down with an abdominal injury that lingered the rest of the season. Pitt is in much better shape to absorb such a loss this year thanks to the rapid development of freshman James Robinson.

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