Coming off a 14-4 conference record and Atlantic 10 regular season co-championship, the Dayton Flyers are looking for even more success. In order to top their 2015-16 conference record, however, the Flyers will have to do it against a tougher schedule. The A-10 conference pairings were announced a week ago and Dayton received some desired, but challenging matchups.
In the upcoming 2016-17 season Dayton will play home and homes against Duquesne, Rhode Island, Saint Bonaventure, Saint Louis, and VCU. The matchup Flyer fans seem most excited about is the opportunity to finally play VCU twice. On senior night last year, in the final regular season game, Dayton defeated the Rams 68-67 in an overtime thriller. This resulted in both teams sharing in a three-way tie of the A-10 regular season title. Flyer and Ram fans should look forward to a couple of highly competitive and intense games next season.
Dayton will also play a home and home against the third team that shard last year’s regular season A-10 crown. After winning at Saint Bonaventure early in the conference season, the Bonnies came back and beat Dayton at UD Arena. This should be an exciting series for two teams trying to win an A-10 title for themselves.
Arguably the most hyped A-10 conference pairing this year will be between Dayton and Rhode Island. Both teams are expected to find themselves in the national top 25 rankings this season. With star guard E.C. Matthews returning from injury, URI will most likely find themselves 2nd in the A-10 preseason rankings. That is, unless the Rams can edge the Flyers for the top spot. Darrell Davis hit a game winning three at Rhode Island to down the Rams last season, but URI turned around and later got revenge against Dayton. Prepare yourselves for another intense and critical Dayton vs. Rhode Island series this year.
Dayton not only received challenging home and home pairings, they will also play some exciting individual conference games. The Flyers will take on defending A-10 tournament champion Saint Joseph’s at home. Dayton will have a difficult road schedule playing teams like Davidson, George Washington, Massachusetts, and Fordham. If the Flyers want to have another successful conference year and compete for the A-10 Title, they will certainly have to fight for some big wins.
