Dayton's trip to UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse was a successful one, as they defeated Duquesne 71-65 in a non-conference matchup. The Flyers' balanced offense, coupled with a strong defensive effort, allowed them to take control of the game and never look back. With the win, Dayton improves to 14-4 on the season, while Duquesne falls to 10-9.
The first half belonged to the Flyers, as they jumped out to a 33-24 lead behind 11 points from Keonte Jones. Duquesne struggled to find their rhythm, with Jimmie Williams being the lone bright spot, scoring 8 points in the period. The Dukes' offense showed signs of life in the second half, but Dayton's defense was up to the task, limiting them to just 41 points.
Jones led the way for the Flyers, finishing with 15 points and 5 rebounds, while Javon Bennett added 14 points and 5 rebounds of his own. De'Shayne Montgomery chipped in with 11 points, showcasing the depth and versatility of Dayton's offense. For Duquesne, Jimmie Williams and Alex Williams each scored 15 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Flyers' balanced attack. Jakub Necas added 12 points for the Dukes, but their offense was unable to keep pace with Dayton's.
The game was marked by a series of runs, with Dayton using a 10-2 spurt in the first half to take control. Duquesne fought back in the second half, but the Flyers' lead was too much to overcome. With the win, Dayton solidifies their position as a top mid-major program, while Duquesne is left to regroup and refocus.
This matchup had real consequences for both teams' resumes, as it was a Quadrant 2 game for Duquesne and a Quadrant 3 game for Dayton. The Flyers' win will likely have a positive impact on their tournament chances, as they continue to build a strong non-conference resume. For Duquesne, the loss is a missed opportunity to pick up a quality win, but they want to bounce back in their next outing.
With the outcome, Dayton's current net ranking of 73 is likely to remain steady or even improve, while Duquesne's net ranking of 160 may take a slight hit. As the season wears on, the Flyers want to continue their strong play and make a push for a tournament bid. For now, they can savor a hard-fought win on the road against a tough opponent. The victory is a reflection of Dayton's strength and depth, and they want to carry this momentum forward as they navigate the remainder of their schedule.