This Tuesday at 7 p.m., the Dayton Flyers will face off against the Saint Louis Billikens at UD Arena, marking an important rematch just 25 days after Saint Louis decisively won the first matchup 102-71 on January 30. Dayton guard Javon Bennett expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming game after the Flyers’ recent 78-66 victory over Davidson, stating that regaining their momentum will be crucial for the team’s performance.
With a record of 18-9 and 9-5 in conference play, Dayton currently trails the Billikens (25-2, 13-1) by four games as the regular season approaches its climax. Saint Louis entered last week’s Associated Press top 25 poll ranked 18th – the first ranked Atlantic 10 team to compete at UD Arena since Butler in 2013.
The rivalry between the two teams has seen Dayton lead the series 44-31. The Flyers dominated the series in the previous two seasons, sweeping the Billikens in both. However, the previous matchup showcased a stark contrast in performance, as coach Anthony Grant noted the team’s struggle in that 31-point loss, marking it as his worst defeat in nine seasons of coaching.
Both teams have experienced varying trends recently. Dayton bounced back with three consecutive wins last week, overcoming earlier struggles. In contrast, Saint Louis managed to defeat second-place Virginia Commonwealth 88-75, recovering from a prior loss against Rhode Island. Saint Louis coach Josh Schertz praised his team’s overall performance but emphasizes the importance of improving during the final games to ensure postseason success.
Additionally, the prior matchup between Saint Louis and VCU ended with a chaotic scene as benches cleared in the last seconds. While the Atlantic 10 reprimanded both teams for unsportsmanlike conduct, no suspensions were handed down, showcasing the league’s confidence in the officials’ handling of the situation.
On the court, Saint Louis features a strong lineup, including Robbie Avila, who leads in A-10 player of the year rankings, and other key players like Amari McCottry and Trey Green, who have made a significant impact throughout the season. Notably, Dayton leads the nation in free-throw rate and ranks highly in converting free throws to points.
According to projections from KenPom.com, Dayton is given a 29% chance of winning, with a predicted score of 80-74 in favor of Saint Louis. This clash presents a vital opportunity for Dayton within the context of the NCAA tournament landscape, as it is considered a Quadrant 1 game for the Flyers, who are still pursuing their first win in this category this season.
As the Flyers prepare to welcome the Billikens, fans and players alike will be eager to see if Dayton can leverage home advantage and reclaim momentum against a formidable opponent.