First thoughts after the University of Dayton Flyers’ victory over the George Washington Colonials.
By PAUL GOTHAM
How it happened
Dayton’s defense held George Washington without a field goal for 6:53, and the Flyers closed the game on a 19-9 run to improve to 4-1 in Atlantic 10 play. Dyshawn Pierre scored five of his game-high 26 as UD used a big second-half run for the second time this week. Coming out of the under-eight timeout, UD scored six straight to take a lead they would not surrender. After Charles Cooke knotted the score at 61 with a catch-and-shoot 3-pointer, Kyle Davis converted a steal and full court layup for a 63-61 edge with 6:32 on the clock. The Colonials, who hit 11 of 22 shots from behind the arc for the game including 7 of 13 in the first half, hit just one 3-pointer in the final 13:40. GW handed out 23 assists on 27 made field goals, but UD converted 15 turnovers into a 22-4 advantage in points off turnovers. The Flyers had a 19-1 outburst in their 80-74 win over Davidson on Tuesday.
Finding his rhythm
Dayton coach Archie Miller expressed concern before Pierre returned late last month from his semester-long suspension. The fifth-year coach did not want to rush his senior back into the lineup. Safe to say, Pierre has picked up where he left off. The 6-6 forward scored 42 points in two games this week and 65 in his last four games. Pierre is doing it in an economical manner. He shot 61.9 percent (13-21) from the floor this week. Upon closer inspection, he hit all six of his shots inside the arc. In the six games since his return, Pierre is shooting 62.5 percent (15 of 24) inside the arc.
Play fast, don’t hurry
Analysts and opposing coaches frequently talk about Dayton’s speed of play and needing to keep the Flyers in check, not allowing run outs and giving up live turnovers. UD outscored GW 15-4 in fast break points – many on the previously mentioned points off turnovers. Looks like UD played fast. The Flyers used 67 possessions in Friday’s win. If you plugged that into the national season statistics, that number ranks 324 in the nation. In other words, Stevie-Ray-Vaughan-Texas-Flood level slow. Dayton came into play averaging 70.4 trips per game (204th). Colorado State leads the nation averaging 88 possessions per game. Miller’s squad knows how to pick their spots.
Feeding the big man
After committing 13 fouls in the first three A-10 games of his career, Steve McElvene committed just four infractions this week. Tuesday, he looked tentative. Friday, McElvene held his own against GW senior Kevin Larsen. Coming off the bench, McElvene finished with 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting. He scored four in the game’s final three minutes. McElvene also had two blocks. He is shooting 60.8 percent (14 of 23) from the floor in five A-10 games. Not sure there is a big man in the country who keeps the ball above his head better than the redshirt freshman.
Charity starts in the home
GW came into the game 10th in the nation hitting 76.6 from the free throw line. The Colonials finished 5 of 15 Friday night. UD outscored their counterparts 16 to 5 from the charity stripe. Consider how many triples GW hit and compare the numbers. When you finish scratching your head, you will understand GW coach Mike Lonergan’s frustration. Dayton hit 16 of 17 freebies.
Staying consistent
GW’s Tyler Cavanaugh finished with 18 points. Cavanaugh has scored double figures in every Colonial game this season.
Some more numbers
GW won the boards, 40-29 and had a 10-6 advantage in second-chance points. The game included 19 lead changes and eight ties.
Don’t overlook Scooch
UD’s junior point guard finished with a game-high +16. He handed out seven assists against two turnovers while swiping four steals, grabbing four rebounds and scoring nine points. And he had one Steph-lite pull-up triple.
Looking ahead
Dayton (14-3/4-1) travels to St. Bonaventure to take on the Bonnies (12-3/4-0) next Tuesday. George Washington (14-4/3-2) hosts Rhode Island (10-7/2-2) next Friday.
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