Preview: Xavier at Dayton

Who: Xavier (14-9, 7-3 Atlantic 10) at Dayton (13-11, 3-7)

When: noon Saturday

Where: UD Arena

TV/Radio: ESPN2/WHIO 95.7, 1290

Dayton starters

Kevin Dillard, 6-0, Sr., G, 15.0 ppg

Vee Sanford, 6-3, Jr., G, 12.5

Devon Scott, 6-9, Fr., F, 2.0

Devin Oliver, 6-7, Jr., F, 9.4

Dyshawn Pierre, 6-6, Fr., F, 8.1

Xavier starters

Travis Taylor, 6-8, Sr., F, 11.9

Justin Martin, 6-6, So., F, 8.6

Jeff Robinson, 6-10, Sr., F, 7.6

Semaj Christon, 6-3, Fr., G, 15.1

Dee Davis, 6-0, So., G, 9.0

About Dayton: UD is having depth issues, playing at times with just eight healthy scholarship players. Khari Price, the primary guard sub, has missed four straight games with a thigh injury. … For the first time in their history, the Flyers have three one-point losses at home. They haven't had three one-point setbacks overall in a season since 1979-80. They're 1-7 in games decided by five points or fewer (the lone win was an 81-76 decision at Alabama). … Pierre has averaged 11.3 points and 9.3 rebounds in his last three games. … Dillard, who has scored in double figures in 16 of the last 17 games, is fourth in the A-10 in foul shooting (87.7) and sixth in assists (4.63).

About Xavier: After a mediocre non-league season, the Musketeers are one game out of first in the A-10. They're 14th in the league in foul shooting (65.3 percent), but they're second in scoring defense (61.7 per game) and third in field-goal percentage defense (40.8). … Taylor is one of the most improved players in the league. He's fourth in rebounding (8.4) and third in field-goal shooting (55.9). … Christon is eighth in scoring, fifth in assists (4.64) and 10th in steals (1.5).

Quote, unquote: Kevin Dillard is relishing a chance to play Xavier at home one last time. "You know the crowd is going to be there. The atmosphere is going to be wild, a good atmosphere to play in. We just have to make sure we come out with energy, focus and passion and get the job done," he said.

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