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Flyers to host Illinois State in NIT

UD season continues with NIT bid and possible second-round matchup with Cincinnati.

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By Doug Harris, Staff Writer Updated 7:35 PM Monday, March 15, 2010

DAYTON — The University of Dayton men’s basketball office was a hubbub of activity Sunday night, March 14.

Copy machines were whirring. Computers were printing out pertinent information. And take-out food was disappearing from counter tops.

The Flyers’ regular season may have ended with one long sour note, but an invitation to the NIT has brought about a sense of rejuvenation.

“I think it’s a chance for a fresh start,” coach Brian Gregory said. “You have expectations and a little disappointment, but at the same time, you have an opportunity to continue to play. For the seniors, it’s another chance. For the underclassmen, they can keep working on their games and set the tone for the future. There’s a lot of positives.”

The Flyers (20-12) are seeded third in their quadrant of the 32-team draw and will host sixth-seeded Illinois State (22-10) at 7 p.m. Wednesday at UD Arena. The winner will meet either No. 2 Cincinnati or No. 7 Weber State next week. The Flyers would play UC on the road if both advance.

Illinois State, which finished third in the Missouri Valley Conference, will be making its third straight trip to the NIT. UD beat the Redbirds, 55-48, on the road in the second round two years ago.

Gregory is pleased to be playing at UD Arena this time.

“We’ve played our best basketball at home the last two years, and our hometown crowd has been a huge part of that,” he said. “It’ll be important for our guys to recognize most likely it will be their last time on Blackburn Court, and I know they’ll want to play well.”

The Flyers’ NCAA hopes were derailed by losing six of their last nine games, but Gregory believes his players will be able to generate their standard zeal for the NIT.

“I think it’s another test of our character and what we’re all about and what we preach every day,” Gregory said. “Hopefully, our guys are able to dig down and respond. They’ve done that throughout their entire careers, and I have no doubt they’ll find that internal motivation again.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or at dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com

Next game

Who: Dayton (20-12)  vs. Illinois State (22-10)

What: NIT

When: 7 p.m. Wednesday

Where: UD Arena

Ticket info: Season-ticket holders can reserve their seats by purchasing tickets today from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets for the general public will be on sale during those times and from 9 a.m. until game time Wednesday.

Tickets cost $20 for the lower arena, $15 for the 300 level and $10 for the 400 level. Parking passes are $5.

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