DAYTON -- The University of Dayton men's basketball team fell to Rhode Island 72-70 in overtime of a heated Atlantic 10 Conference matchup. Dayton moves to 19-10 (11-5 A-10) with the loss, while URI improves to 14-14 (7-9 A-10) on the year. UD is now third in the A-10 Conference.
The Flyers were led by
Obi Toppin with a career-high 26 points. Toppin was 11-for-14 from the field, pushing his single-season dunk record to 73 while registering his sixth double-double of the season. He also had a career-best seven assists
Ryan Mikesell also had a dominant performance with an impressive stat line of 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 42 minutes of play. All of which are new career-highs for him. He also converted eight-of-nine from the free throw line tying his career-high and achieved his second double-double of the season.
GAME SUMMARY
First Half: Rhode Island 38, Dayton 31
- Dayton took an early lead with strong defensive play forcing turnovers on two of URI's first four possessions.
- Rhode Island came firing back shooting seven-of-seven to take a 18-13 lead at the 12-minute mark.
- The Flyers got the fans at UD Arena on their feet with a 7-0 run to take the lead 22-21 while forcing three turnovers and holding URI to a four-minute scoring drought.
- UD capitalized at the free throw line making eight-of-10 in the half while Rhode Island managed only one free throw on two attempts.
- URI dominated from behind the arc shooting 42% from three compared to 20% for the Flyers.
Second Half: Dayton 63, Rhode Island 63
- URI reached its largest lead of the game, 12 points (50-38) after an eight-point run four minutes into the half.
- A Ryan Mikesell three and Obi Toppin's 73rd dunk of the season got the Dayton fans on their feet and cut the deficit to five at the 11-minute mark.
- After 10 minutes of play both teams had identical FG stats shooting six-of-12 and two-of-five from three.
- Five straight made free throws from the Flyers brought URIs lead down to a single point with three minutes remaining in the game.
- UD tied the game with 30 seconds remaining in regulation after trailing for the entirety of the second half.
- A missed free throw by Rhode Island gave Dayton a chance to score at the end of regulation. Jalen Crutcher shot a three that came softly off the rim and Trey Landers was able to get up a tip just before the buzzer that rolled off the rim.
Overtime Final: Rhode Island 72, Dayton 70
- Dayton started the overtime scoring with a layup from Ryan Mikesell to take its first lead since 8:36 in the first half.
- Obi Toppin was responsible for five of the Flyers' seven overtime points and did not miss in the overtime period.
- In the final five-minute overtime period there were three offensive rebounds and a total of seven second chance points between both teams.
- Rhode Island took its last lead with 1:12 remaining, but the Flyers were unable to score on their last four possessions.
BY THE NUMBERS
- The Flyers were on point from the charity stripe converting 17-of-20 FTs for 85%, much better than their 66.5% season average.
- Obi Toppin tied his career high for points with 26 while shooting 11-of-14 from the field.
- Toppin also set a new career high with seven assists.
- Ryan Mikesell broke his season and career highs for points (23) and tied his highest rebounds (11) and FTs (8) while registering his second double double of the season.
- UD won the battle of the boards with 35 total rebounds over 26 by URI, although Rhode Island held the advantage for offensive rebounds with seven compared to six for UD.
- Jalen Crutcher led all players with 44 minutes played in the 45 minute game.
- This was the ninth time this year UD came from behind 10 points or more to take a lead in a game.
UP NEXT
- Dayton's next game will be against La Salle at UD Arena on Wednesday, Mar. 6 at 7 p.m. ET. The La Salle game is Senior Night and the last regular season home game of the year.
- Dayton finishes the regular season on Saturday, March 8 at Duquesne.
