First thought after Dayton’s 75-59 victory over Richmond in Atlantic 10 action, Thursday night.
By PAUL GOTHAM
Charles Cooke led five in double figures and keyed a decisive second-half run as the University of Dayton Flyers improved to 14-4 and 5-1 in conference play with a 75-59 victory over the University of Richmond Spiders.
Threes of Separation
Dayton’s overall offensive performance behind the arc didn’t raise any eyebrows. Finishing 8 of 21 (38.1) lands just a touch above their season mark of 36.7. The 7-of-10 run to close the first half (after missing their first four attempts of the game from long range) might have been reason to thumb through the game notes and find the program record for makes in a contest. The difference, though, came in what UD did on defense. The Flyers held Richmond to 10 percent (2-20) from long range. Richmond came in averaging 33.9 behind the arc connecting on 7.6 triples per game. In a 16-point win an 18-point advantage in one category is hard to ignore.
Striking a Balance
Cooke led the way scoring 17 points. Scoochie Smith added 15. Darrell Davis, Ryan Mikesell and Xeyrius Williams scored 11 apiece. UD scored 24 points behind the arc and 24 points in the paint. The Flyers also tallied 21 at the free throw line.
Close Outs
With 6:38 remaining, UD held a 55-53 edge on the Spiders. With 1:29 to go, the Flyers lead had ballooned to 13 at 68-55. In between Cooke scored seven, handed out an assist and collected a steal. UD produced points on nine of 12 possessions during the run. The Flyers are now 13-0 on the season when leading with five minutes remaining.
Standard Operating Procedure
UD was without the services of senior guard Kyle Davis who suffered an ankle injury in Saturday’s win over Duquesne. The Flyers’ injuries this season and in years past have even Archie Miller a little weary, but “Next Man Up” rides on. UD held Richmond to 59 points (came in scoring 73) on 42 percent shooting from the floor (46.5 for the season) and forcing 14 turnovers (UR has 13 mishandles per game). And all this with the glove riding pine.
Numbers Breakdown
Dayton had an advantage in rebounds (31-30), points at the line (21-11), points off turnovers (15-9), second-chance points (7-6) and bench points (13-9). Richmond had advantages in fast break points (10-9) and points in the paint (34-24).
Up Next
Dayton hosts Saint Louis on Sunday for a 2 pm start. CBS Sports Network will televise the game. Richmond (11-7/5-1) hosts George Mason for 1 pm start on Sunday. American Sports Network will cover the game.
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