Flyers roll past Redhawks

DAYTON, Ohio - The University of Dayton men’s basketball team defeated Miami University 83-61 Saturday night at UD Arena in front of 12,562 fans. Dayton improves to 7-2 while Miami falls to 3-5. The Flyers were led by junior Devin Oliver who recorded 15 points and 10 rebounds for his second career double-double. Senior Josh Benson notched his first career double-double by tallying 13 points and 12 rebounds.

All five starters scored in double figures for the Flyers. Kevin Dillard scored 15, Vee Sanford had 14 and freshman Dyshawn Pierre added 12.

Dayton out rebounded the Redhawks 45-22. The Flyers have out rebounded their opponents in every game but one this season.

In the first half, the Redhawks jumped out to a 7-0 lead and held the advantage throughout the first 14 minutes of play. Miami led by as many as nine points with 12:45 remaining. Dayton took their first lead of the game, 23-22, on a Benson layup with 5:57 remaining in the half.

Dillard ignited the Flyer comeback by knocking down two big three-pointers and a layup before the half. The Flyers used this momentum to go to the locker room with a 37-33 lead. The Flyers have held the lead at half in all nine of their games this season. Dillard paced UD with 10 points and Benson was the top rebounder at half with eight.

The Flyers were much more efficient in the second half as they shot 17-of-29 from the field and held the Redhawks to a 37 percent field goal percentage.

Matt Derenbecker and Jalen Robinson both contributed valuable minutes off the bench in the second half. Derenbecker sank two consecutive three-pointers to extend the largest Dayton lead of the game to 24 points at 83-59. Robinson tallied six second-half points and five rebounds.

This was the first of a four-game home stand for Dayton. Next, the Flyers are in action against Florida Atlantic at UD Arena on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m.