Dayton 100 Saint Louis 83: Tempo Free Summary

The University of Dayton commercial claims ‘Flyers soar’. They did last night. The Flyers defeated Saint Louis 100-83 on Senior Night at Chaifetz Arena. Anthony Grant’s Flyers are now 23-6 (13-4) while the host Billikens dropped to 11-19 (4-13).

Possessions: 71

Offensive efficiency: Dayton 141, Saint Louis 117

Four Factors:

Kenpom.com MVP: DaRon Holmes. The Dayton standout scored a game-high 25 points while grabbing 13 rebounds (four offensive), another game-high figure. Holmes handed out five assists and even connected on two of Dayton’s 18 three point field goals while having just one turnover. Holmes had a superlative 1.16 efficiency per minute showing (1.00 or over is excellent). 

Leading Scorers: 

Dayton- Holmes, 25 points.

Saint Louis- Gibson Jimerson, 24 points.

How it happened. Saint Louis got out to an early 13-6 lead. Dayton responded with a 28-10 run, putting the Flyers in front 49-35 at intermission. The second half was virtually all Dayton.  A late game surge by Travis Ford’s group reduced a 25-point Dayton lead to 14 with just over six minutes to play. The host team could draw no closer.

Dayton shot lights out connecting 56% from inside the arc and 55% beyond. Saint Louis had a good 66% showing from two point range while struggling with a 26% showing from downtown.

Dayton led 38-21 in the overall rebounding totals while enjoying a huge 15-5 edge on the offensive glass, allowing the Flyers to lead 22-6 in second chance points. 

Saint Louis actually put up a respectable showing on the offensive end. The turnovers were at a minimum as the Billikens exceeded their 108 offensive efficiency average in A10 play. 

The Saint Louis defense was the definitive liability as Dayton had too many opportune looks from  deep as well as inside through dribble penetration. Saint Louis came in with an average defensive efficiency of 119, the conference’s lowest mark. On this night they were -22 their norm and the results showed.

Dayton finishes the regular season by hosting VCU on Friday. Saint Louis’ final game is Saturday at St. Bonaventure.