Where: Cintas Center
TV/Radio: CBS Sports Network/WHIO 95.7, 1290
Dayton starters
- Kevin Dillard, 6-0, Sr., G, 14.9 ppg.
- Vee Sanford, 6-3, Jr., G, 12.7
- Josh Benson, 6-9, Sr., F, 10.5
- Devin Oliver, 6-7, Jr., F, 9.5
- Dyshawn Pierre, 6-6, Fr., F, 7.8
Xavier starters
- Semaj Christon, 6-3, Fr., G, 14.9
- Brad Redford, 6-1, Sr., G, 8.1
- Travis Taylor, 6-8, Sr., F, 11.5
- Jeff Robinson, 6-10, Sr., F, 7.4
- Justin Martin, 6-6, So., F, 8.2
About Dayton
The Flyers, who are on a two-game winning streak, have out-rebounded their five A-10 foes by 60 total boards. Overall, they lead the league in rebound margin at plus-5.9 per game. They’re also first in 3-point shooting (38.5 percent) and are second in scoring (72.9) and field-goal percentage (46.1). The stats say they’re a middle-of-the-pack defensive team, though, ranking seventh in field-goal percentage defense (41.8), 11th in steals (5.9) and 15th in blocked shots (2.5). Oliver is tied for first in rebounding with 8.6 per game. Sub Matt Derenbecker is fourth in 3-point shooting at 44.3 percent.
About Xavier
The Musketeers, who are on a two-game losing streak, are at the top of the A-10 in most defensive categories, ranking second in points allowed (60.7) and 3-point field-goal percentage for opponents (31.1) and third in field-goal percentage defense (40.5). But they’ve been lacking in 3-point shooting, even though they have one of the league’s best in Redford (44.7 percent). Their 4.7 treys per game are 14th in the A-10. And they’re 14th in foul shooting at 65 percent.
FYI
Dayton and Xavier have met more than any two A-10 teams with UD holding an all-time edge, 84-74. But “X” has dominated the last 25 years, going 41-16. The Flyers haven’t won in Cincinnati since Jan. 10, 1981, a span of 27 games. Two of the defeats were in overtime, including 86-83 last season.
“I’d be probably lying if I said this team didn’t want to be the team to go down there and win the game (to end the streak). … The older guys who sat in that locker room last year understand how hard the game is and how much every play matters. To come out with a victory, we have to be ourselves but also compete and lay it on the line,” UD coach Archie Miller said.
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