Dayton Flyers Stage Epic Comeback to Win NCAA Tournament Opener

The Dayton Flyers made a stunning comeback in their NCAA Tournament opener against Nevada at the Delta Center, securing a 63-60 victory after being down by 17 points in the second half. This win marks the first tournament victory for the Flyers since 2015 under the leadership of coach Anthony Grant.

In a remarkable show of resilience, the Dayton Flyers, part of the Atlantic 10 Conference, have now won two consecutive games where they overcame significant deficits. This victory also marks the first NCAA tournament win for coach Anthony Grant in his seven-year tenure with the team.

DaRon Holmes II stood out as a key player for the Dayton Flyers, leading the team with 17 points on an efficient 5-of-8 shooting performance. The Flyers managed to hit timely shots, including 8 of 19 three-pointers at a 42.1% success rate, with Koby Brea contributing significantly by scoring 15 points.

Dayton took control of the game in the final minutes, with DaRon Holmes II making pivotal plays to secure the win. Nate Santos also played a crucial role, scoring the go-ahead basket with just 34 seconds remaining and then sinking two crucial free throws to seal the victory for the Flyers.

The Dayton Flyers will now face off against the Arizona Wildcats in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, setting the stage for an exciting matchup. Nevada, on the other hand, suffered a tough loss despite a strong first-half performance, ending their tournament run for the second consecutive year.

Guard Nick Davidson was a standout player for Nevada, leading the team with 10 points in a losing effort. The absence of Hunter McIntosh, a key player for Nevada, due to knee pain, added to the challenges faced by the team during the game.

David Jablonski, a reputable sports journalist covering the Dayton Flyers and other sports for the Dayton Daily News, provided detailed coverage and insights about the thrilling matchup between the Dayton Flyers and Nevada in the NCAA Tournament.