Dec. 13, 2008

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DAYTON, Ohio - Freshman guard Chris Johnson tallied 20 points and brought in 12 rebounds leading the Flyers past Coppin State 73-56 at UD Arena Saturday night. The double-double was the second of Johnson's career.

Dayton advances to 9-1 on the season with the win, while Coppin State falls to 1-6.

Junior Marcus Johnson scored 15 points, and freshman Chris Wright added 13 points in the win.

The Eagles were led offensively by senior guard Tywain McKee who scored a game-high 26 points. Senior guard Chuka Iloegbu chipped in with 12.

Coppin State came out strong and Dayton trailed much of the first half. With seven minutes left in the frame, the Eagles took an eight point lead, their largest of the half, leading the Flyers 25-17. On Dayton's next possession, after three missed shots and three offensive rebounds, Chris Johnson sank a three pointer with 6:24 on the clock, sparking an 18-4 Flyer run to end the half.

Chris Johnson had the hot hand for the Flyers in the first half hitting 5-of-6 from the floor, and 3-of-4 shots from beyond the arc. Johnson scored 13 of his 20 points in the first half. As a team, the Flyers shot 43 percent from the field in the half.

Coppin State guard Tywain McKee led both teams in scoring in first stanza scoring 14. The team shot just 29 percent from the field in the half but was able to take advantage of their free throws, sinking 13-of-14 from the stripe.

Dayton entered the break leading 35-29.

The second half of the game was all Dayton as Coppin State was never able to get closer than eight points. The Flyers out-shot the Eagles 43 to 29 percent in the game, and were busy on the boards out-rebounding the Eagles 44-33. Dayton continued to use its bench effectively as ten Flyers played at least 12 minutes, and nine of those players scored.

The Flyers continue their home stand next Saturday, Dec. 20 against UNC Greensboro. Game time is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.