Game 15 Preview: Dayton returns home for showdown with Rhode Island
Victors in nine of their last ten games, the Dayton Flyers seek a 3–0 start to conference play against Rhode Island. Entering this season as the A-10 preseason #1, Dayton will look to defend that ranking in a showdown against the #2 Rams. Both teams come into this one trying to pick up their fifth straight win. With so much on the line, Dayton vs. Rhode Island promises to make for a great game. Expect UD Arena to be as LOWD as ever Friday night.
The Opposition
Coming off a 30 point beatdown of Saint Joseph’s on Tuesday night, Rhode Island looks to keep things rolling at Dayton. The Rams enter this one 10–4 overall and playing some great basketball of late. After being sidelined since the loss to Providence, dominant big man Hassan Martin finally returned to the Rhode Island starting lineup the last time out. In his first game back from injury, Martin looked great. The senior forward put up 10 points and blocked four shots in his 20 minutes of action. Dayton must account for Martin down low if it wants to come away with a win over the Rams.
So far this season star guards E.C. Matthews and Jared Terrell are doing it all for Rhode Island. Matthews is averaging 15.3 points per game and Terrell compliments him with 14.6. Both players shoot over 37% from three and can really take games over down the stretch. Dayton’s dominant defense must continue to do its thing against the Rams. Both Kyle Davis and Charles Cooke (if he plays) need to put their best lockdown performances together Friday night.
Injury Report
Although Charles Cooke did not play in Tuesday night’s win at St. Bonaventure, expect the senior guard to give it a go against Rhode Island. Dealing with both a wrist and tailbone injury, Cooke is undeniably banged up. Friday night’s showdown will call for all hands on deck, though, so the Flyer’s best player will more than likely give it everything he can. Darrell Davis was also a game time decision for the game against the Bonnies. Davis did end up playing so expect him to do the same against Rhode Island.
Key to a Dayton win
If Dayton wants to defeat Rhode Island and continue its undefeated start to conference play, the Flyer’s defense must dominate. In their last two games, the Rams have put up 90 and 88 points. Combine the guard play of Matthews and Terrell with the return of Martin, and Rhode Island becomes extremely difficult to stop. If there is a team in the A-10 that can shut down the Rams, though, it is definitely Dayton. In their last home game the Flyers held high scoring La Salle to just 55 points; nearly 30 points under the Explorer’s season average. Dayton’s tantalizing defense forced La Salle into taking difficult shots and committing uncommon turnovers. In order to start conference play 3–0, the True Team’s defense must rise to the challenge once again.
Our Prediction (record: 2–0)
Seeking its 12th win of the season, Dayton would love nothing more than to defeat premier A-10 foe Rhode Island on Friday night. Behind a LOWD UD Arena, we think the Flyers will get the job done. While it will not be easy, and the Rams will go on their fair share of runs, Dayton’s mindset will win them this game. The True Team plays tough, together basketball that most teams are simply unable to match. If the Flyers can knock down shots like they did in the win over St. Bonaventure, Dayton will improve to 12–3 overall and 3–0 in conference play. This highly anticipated match-up promises to provide a close game, but, in the end, we see the Flyers coming out on top 78–72.
How to Watch
Dayton’s showdown with Rhode Island will tip off at 7:00 PM ET. If you are attending the game, be sure to arrive early as the always rowdy UD Arena should be sold out. Unable to make it to the game? Watch the Flyers and Rams battle on ESPN2 or listen live to WHIO radio (95.7 fm or 1290 am). Also make sure to follow us on Twitter @Flyer_Faithful for complete game coverage. As always, Go Flyers, Go America, Wear Red, and be LOWD!!
