Dayton Flyers Face Tough Challenge Against Fordham After Loss to VCU

DAYTON, Ohio — The Dayton Flyers fell to the Virginia Commonwealth Rams 61-59 on Friday night after a devastating turnover in the closing minutes of the game. With just under three minutes remaining, freshman forward Amaël L’Etang’s attempted hand-off to Enoch Cheeks was intercepted by VCU’s Max Shulga, who quickly converted the steal into a layup to tie the game.

Dayton head coach Anthony Grant witnessed the critical turnover unfold from the sideline, visibly frustrated as he dropped the water bottle he had been holding. The moment epitomized the rapid change of momentum in the game that ultimately led to Dayton’s demise.

Following the tying layup, the Flyers struggled to regain control. Javon Bennett received an in-bounds pass but was pushed out toward the sidelines, leading to a desperate pass intercepted by VCU’s Jack Clark. The Rams capitalized on the turnover, with Zeb Jackson making two free throws to give VCU a 61-59 lead.

“The beautiful thing about this game is we have another game coming up on Wednesday,” Grant said during an interview on WHIO’s Flyer Insider. “The truth of the matter is we have to prepare.”

Dayton, now holding a record of 16-8 overall and 6-5 in the Atlantic 10 Conference, is set to face Fordham on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Rose Hill Gym in Bronx, New York. Fordham, which started the season poorly, has managed to turn things around, recently winning three of its last four games, including a dramatic 80-79 victory over Rhode Island last week.

The Flyers have historically dominated the series against Fordham, boasting a 36-6 record. Dayton won four consecutive matchups since their last loss to Fordham in 2021, during which up-and-coming star DaRon Holmes II showcased his scoring prowess.

This matchup presents an opportunity for Dayton to get back on track, especially after losing a hard-fought game against VCU. As the A-10 standings tighten, every game becomes critical. George Mason currently leads the conference, while VCU is closely trailing, and Dayton must improve its standing against teams like Fordham.

“We need to focus on what’s ahead and prepare for a tough environment,” Grant emphasized, referring to the challenge that awaits in New York.

Fordham’s top scorer this season, Jackie Johnson III, has emerged as a significant offensive threat, and the Flyers will need to contain him to secure a victory. Meanwhile, L’Etang was named A-10 Rookie of the Week for the third time, building momentum after averaging 8.5 points and 8.0 rebounds in recent contests.

Despite their setback, Dayton remains a strong contender in the A-10, currently ranked 76th in the NCAA Evaluation Tool. Their previous wins have shown potential, and with critical Quad 3 games ahead, they have the opportunity to improve their chances for postseason play.

The matchup against Fordham will be broadcasted on ESPN+ and is crucial for both teams as they vie for higher positioning in the Atlantic 10 Conference standings.