Spears, Ayers III propel Duquesne over American

Leon Ayers III shoots a jumper against AmericanALTOONA, Pa. -- Duquesne shot a season-best 58 percent en route to a 88-79 win over American Sunday at the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse.

It was the second win in a row for the Dukes, who were paced by freshman Amir Spears and Leon Ayers III who scored 21 and 23 points respectively. Spears also added six assists and six steals while Ayers III hauled in six boards.

Ayers III 23 points tied a season-high total he achieved against Bradley in the Paradise Jam prior to Thanksgiving. Kevin Easley, Jr. and Tre Williams also scored in double-digits for Duquesne against American who led by eight with 5:48 left in the game before relinquishing that lead and then…