Game of the Night
Dayton Flyers 85, Arkansas Razorbacks 81 (OT)
It took overtime, but the Flyers held on for a 84-80 win over Arkansas to close out the non-conference schedule. With just seconds remaining in regulation, Dayton elected not to foul and Arkansas’ Anthlon Bell hit a three to send the game to overtime. In OT, Charles Cooke led the way with five points and Scoochie Smith hit three key free throws to close it out. Cooke finished with 18 points and 9 rebounds, one of six Flyers in double-figure points.
Arkansas hung tough in this dogfight. Moses Kingsley was an absolute beast, scoring 26 while adding 11 rebounds and 3 blocks. However, his forward counter-part Kendall Pollard was nearly as effective with 15 points and 9 rebounds. Dayton leaves the non-conference at 10-2, very much in the thick of the A10 title race. Also a sidenote: this marks Archie Miller’s 100th as head coach. Hats off Coach, here’s to many more.
Elsewhere in A10 Play
Rhode Island Rams 88, Brown Bears 83 (OT)
The Rams stormed back from 15 down in the second half to escape with an overtime win over Brown. After the Bears came out of halftime and grabbed the lead, a fiery speech by Rhode Island head coach Dan Hurley appeared to get his guys back into gear. Four McGylnn was absolute money down the stretch, scoring a career-high 33 points including 6-13 from three and 7-7 from the line. Be it not for his key free throws at the end of the game, the Rams do not win this. Rhody enters A10 play at 8-5.
VCU Rams 80, North Florida Ospreys 68
A solid defensive performance by VCU led them to victory, as well as a combined 45 points from Melvin Johnson and Korey Billbury. Mo Alie-Cox added 19 points and 5 rebounds. The Rams logged 13 steals, a stat in which they are currently ranked 6th in the nation. The team enters A10 play at 8-5 and will take on George Mason this Saturday.
St. Bonaventure Bonnies 82, Niagara Purple Eagles 68
The Bonnies took care of business against a lackluster Niagara team behind 28 points from Dion Wright. Jaylen Adams posted a terrific double-double, going for 16 points and 12 assists. That marks a season-high in the ladder category. St. Bonaventure exits the non-con at 8-3 and will take on Davidson this Saturday.
