The University of Dayton, located in Dayton, Ohio, has a storied history that traces back to its founding in 1850. Initially beginning as St. Mary’s School for Boys, the institution evolved over the decades, attaining its college status in 1882 and eventually rebranding as the University of Dayton in 1920. The name Dayton honors Jonathan Dayton, a Revolutionary War figure, despite his limited ties to the area.
As of Fall 2024, the university has an enrollment of 10,598 students, including 7,470 undergraduates. The university fosters a supportive living environment through its Student Neighborhood initiative, allowing upperclassmen to rent university-owned properties, blending the autonomy of off-campus life with university support.
Known as the Flyers, the Dayton basketball team has a rich athletic tradition. Last season, they posted a 23-11 record, finishing third in the Atlantic 10 and making a second-round exit in the NIT. This year, they’re off to a 3-1 start, but their overall performance has been inconsistent. Despite gaining some wins at home, they suffered a 12-point loss at Cincinnati.
Javon Bennett leads the current scoring for Dayton, averaging 18.3 points per game, while Amael L’Etang contributes significantly in both points and rebounds, marking a notable increase from last season. Unfortunately, the team will be missing freshman guard Jaron McKie, who is out for the season due to shoulder surgery, and sophomore transfer Adam Njie has been sidelined amid an ongoing investigation related to gambling issues.
Head Coach Anthony Grant, now in his ninth season with Dayton, boasts a record of 175-83 with the program. Known for his ability to build competitive teams, Grant faces certain challenges this season, particularly with team dynamics following injuries and setbacks. He will need to foster leadership and resilience as the season progresses.
Dayton’s all-time series against Marquette stands at 20-15 in favor of the Golden Eagles, although the Flyers have emerged victorious in six of their last seven encounters. The significance of this matchup is heightened by their history, dating back to previous league affiliations in the 1980s and ongoing connections fostered over the years.
Coach Shaka Smart of Marquette recently emphasized the need for improvement following a tough loss to Maryland, highlighting the importance of defensive consistency and teamwork. This ongoing evolution will be critical as the Golden Eagles prepare to face Dayton, a team that showcases resilience and competitive spirit.
With both programs aiming for redemption and growth, the upcoming matchup promises to be a thrilling contest, showcasing two teams that are no strangers to each other, yet are eager to carve their paths for the remainder of the season.