Dayton Flyers Head to NIT for Matchup Against Florida Atlantic

DAYTON, Ohio – The Dayton Flyers will begin their postseason journey in the National Invitation Tournament on Wednesday at 7 p.m. against Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. After considering an invitation to the College Basketball Crown, Dayton’s decision to participate in the NIT comes as part of a deliberate choice influenced by team dynamics and player availability.

Dayton (22-10) received confirmation about their NIT bid following a successful regular season, marking a shift from 2023 when they opted out of the postseason due to injuries. Athletic Director Neil Sullivan stated, “We make the most informed choice each year based on the most relevant factors at the time… and this year that decision was to play. It was a straightforward decision.”

Florida Atlantic (18-15), making its first NIT appearance since 2011, is excited about the opportunity to host a first-round matchup. First-year head coach John Jakus expressed enthusiasm for the game, highlighting Dayton’s reputation: “Dayton is a great program… Coach [Anthony] Grant has done an unbelievable job.”

The only previous meeting between the two teams occurred on December 15, 2012, where the Flyers triumphed 81-56 at UD Arena in what was part of their successful season. This year, the NIT matchup is anticipated to add a new chapter to their competitive history.

Florida Atlantic University has evolved significantly since its founding in 1964. Initially part of NCAA Division II, it transitioned to Division I in 1994 and has changed conferences multiple times, now competing in the American Athletic Conference. The Owls marked their NCAA tournament debut in 2002 and returned in 2023, reaching the Final Four.

This season, Florida Atlantic recorded a 7-6 non-conference run, highlighted by a significant win against No. 60 Liberty, while finishing fifth in the AAC with a 10-8 record. Coach Jakus, following Dusty May, aims to build on the program’s recent successes.

As the game nears, the player matchups are increasingly under the spotlight. Kaleb Glenn leads the Owls with 12.5 points per game, followed closely by Tre Carroll (12.1) and Baba Miller (11.2) who also leads the team in rebounding with 7.0 per game.

Wednesday’s contest will take place at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena, noted for its intimate environment as the smallest venue Dayton has faced outside of Maui since 1982. With a seating capacity of just 2,500, it marks a unique setting for both teams.

Homecoming narratives linger as well, with Coach Grant’s roots in the Miami area and several players hailing from Florida. The Flyers are predicted to have a 55% chance of victory according to KenPom.com, which forecasts a tightly contested game.

As the prep work for the NIT unfolds, Dayton fans remain hopeful for a deep tournament run as they support their team in pursuit of postseason success.

WEDNESDAY’S GAME: Dayton at Florida Atlantic, 7 p.m., ESPN2.