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DAYTON — The University of Dayton Flyers won their seventh straight game and remained undefeated at home as their team-oriented play lifted them to a 61-50 victory over the La Salle Explorers.
The Flyers were led by
Dyshawn Pierre, who recorded a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds.
Scoochie Smith also added 16 points along with four assists and a pair of steals.  Smith scored all of his points in the second half, going six-for-six from the field and matching his career high in scoring. Pierre, also matched a career high with his 14 rebounds.
Dayton is now 14-2 overall and 4-0 in Atlantic 10 play. UD is tied with VCU for first place in the Atlantic 10 Conference.
The Flyers have also won 14 straight home games.
The Flyers were a little sluggish in the first half as their first two possessions resulted in turnovers, and La Salle jumped out to a 5-0 lead. Dayton's offensive woes only continued as they shot 9-of-26 (34.6%) from the field with only 3-of-12 (25.0%) from beyond the arc in the first half. . Despite the offensive struggles, the Flyers played very well defensively against a talented La Salle squad, and trailed only 25-23 going into halftime.
The second half was a different ball game as the Flyers flipped the switch, shooting 14-of-22 (63.6%) from the field and making made 3-of-4 from three-point range. On the defensive end, the Flyers picked it up even more, holding the Explorers to 19-of-48 (39.6%) shooting.
The game remained tight until, with the score Dayton 44, La Salle 42, the Flyers went on a 10-0 run. LaSalle was held scoreless for over four minutes until the Explorers finally scored with 3:46 to go. Dayton would push the advantage out to 15 (61-46 with 1:33 left) before allowing two more baskets.
It was La Salle's lowest scoring total of the season. Guard Jordan Price led the team in points (13) and rebounds (7).
The Flyers close their two-game home stand as they face the Saint Louis University Billikens on Saturday, January 17 at 12:30 p.m. ET.
