
Davidson
(+3.5)

Dayton
(-3.5)
Highlights
Preview
DAYTON, Ohio (Interstat) — Two teams jockeying for position in the Atlantic 10 standings will meet Sunday when the Dayton Flyers host the Davidson Wildcats at University of Dayton Arena. Both teams enter the Feb. 15 contest with identical 15-win records, though Dayton (15-8) has played one fewer game than Davidson (15-9). The matchup is critical for conference tournament seeding, with each seeking consistency in the final weeks of the regular season. Davidson arrives after a dominant 114-53 non-conference win over Mid-Atlantic Christian on Monday. However, its recent league form has been uneven, with losses in three of its last five A-10 games, including home defeats to Saint Louis and VCU in late January. The Wildcats have relied on balanced contributions, as seen in the blowout win where Manie Joses (14 points), Roberts Blums (14 points) and Ian Platteeuw (11 points, 5 blocks) all played key roles. Joses, a player to watch for the Wildcats, scored 14 points in 19 minutes in that rout but has seen limited action in several conference games. Davidson’s success often hinges on its perimeter shooting and disciplined system. Dayton looks to rebound from a 99-73 road loss at VCU last Friday. That defeat extended a concerning trend for the Flyers, who have lost five of their last six games. The lone win in that stretch was a narrow 72-70 home victory over Saint Bonaventure on Feb. 3. The Flyers will lean on guard Javon Bennett, who has been a bright spot during the skid. He is coming off a 20-point performance against the Bonnies and has logged heavy minutes, playing 34 or more in six consecutive games. His scoring and playmaking will be vital against Davidson’s defense. Historically, Dayton’s home court has been a significant advantage. The Wildcats will need to overcome that environment to improve their road record, which includes recent losses at George Mason and Richmond. The game tips off at 12:00 p.m. EST Sunday as part of the Atlantic 10 conference schedule.