First off, I don’t know that I’ve ever acknowledged that Paul Eckerle was the A-10’s co-rookie of the week, along with Kevin Anderson of Richmond. The league does its awards on a Sunday to Saturday basis, rather than waiting to include the lone Sunday game, which would make a lot of sense. 

Also, SLU’s loss to Temple was the first time this season the Billikens have lost after being ahead at the half — prior to that they were 7-0. It’s also the first time they won when shooting better than the other team (9-0 before that).

 There are four A-10 games on Wednesday, plus a nonconference game as Penn plays Temple in Big 5 action. And on Thursday, there’s one of the marquee games of the year, Dayton at Xavier (on CSTV).

 But first …

St. Bonaventure plays Duquesne in a game that used to feature two bad teams. Now it just features one bad team. Duquesne, however, should serve as a model for the Bonnies. Just two years ago, these teams were downright awful, but Duquesne has gotten to a level of respectability. Coach Ron Everhart seems to be moving away from his run-and-gun offense to a more traditional attack. It’s a 9 p.m. start in Pittsburgh for the Dukes, apparently because FSN Pittsburgh is carrying the Pitt game at 7. I’m  sure that will mean a big crowd on the Duquesne campus.

The best game of the night looks to be UMass at St. Joe’s. St. Joe’s won at UMass 98-92 in their conference opener, so UMass will be looking to get them back. Whoever wins will be in good position in the league race. That’s a 5 p.m. St. Louis time start.

Charlotte goes to La Salle, SLU’s next opponent. La Salle is 2-2 at home, 5-5 on the road this season. That’s a lot of road games to win, though one was over Puerto Rico-Mayaguez. La Salle’s coach actually maintains his team is better away from home because they eat better and have fewer distractions.

George Washington goes to Rhode Island. Both teams are 1-2 in league play, though Rhody is 15-3 and GW 5-8. The Rams should win this one.

Off the boards, Temple hosts Penn. On an unrelated Philadelphia note, when St. Joe’s leaves Alumni Fieldhouse next season while it’s being improved, the Hawks will be playing at the Palestra at Penn. Since Penn will have first dibs on the building, and either the Penn men or women are home every Saturday, St. Joe’s is probably going to end up playing a bunch of noon games on Saturdays.