DAYTON, Ohio – The University of Dayton men’s basketball team pulled off one of the season's biggest upsets by defeating the sixth-ranked Marquette Golden Eagles 71-63 at the UD Arena on Saturday night. This game not only propelled the Flyers to victory but also marked their 24th consecutive win on home turf, making it clear they are not to be taken lightly this season.
The Flyers, now 9-2, overcame a 13-point deficit to claim this victory, showcasing resilience and determination against their higher-ranked opponents. Dayton’s offensive efforts were led by Javon Bennett and Zed Key, both finishing the night with 15 points. Enoch Cheeks followed closely with 14 points, and Nate Santos recorded his first double-double of the season with 12 points and 13 rebounds.
The game began with the Golden Eagles taking control early, racing to a commanding 18-5 lead. The Flyers struggled to find their rhythm, and by halftime, they were trailing 36-26, leaving the crowd anxious. But if there’s one thing Dayton has proven this season, it’s their ability to bounce back.
Coming out of halftime, Dayton quickly shifted momentum. Marquette’s lead was reduced following back-to-back baskets, including two three-pointers from Bennett. The team’s defense tightened, and they started to force Marquette turnovers, which proved to be pivotal as the Flyers surged. By the 15-minute mark of the second half, they had reduced the deficit to one point at 41-40, thrilling the crowd of 13,407.
Dayton’s head coach Anthony Grant emphasized the importance of his players’ adaptability. “A lot of the credit goes to the players for their heart, resilience, and their willingness to stick together through adversity and believe in each other,” he remarked after the game. “Today’s environment was as good as anywhere.”
The Flyers kept pressure on Marquette, eventually taking the lead at 57-53 with six minutes remaining. This shift came thanks to Zed Key, who scored four straight points, followed by Santos, who had the last touch with five points, solidifying Dayton’s advantage. Their successful runs were complemented by zero turnovers during the second half, contrasting sharply with the seven they had committed before halftime. By the end of the match, Marquette found themselves unable to secure consecutive baskets, allowing Dayton to seal their victory.
While Marquette has had success this season, dropping to 9-2 now, the loss certainly stings, particularly for coach Shaka Smart. After the game, he expressed disappointment with his team's second-half performance. “I thought we allowed the chaotic and frantic nature of the game to affect our clarity of mind on the defensive end,” Smart said. “It’s a real lesson for us.”
The Flyers’ victory marks their first home win against a Top 10 team since 2007, and they’ve now triumphed over two top-six teams this season, adding fuel to their NCAA tournament aspirations. Bennett noted, “These kinds of wins help us for March Madness. We set out to be one of those teams.”
Looking at the stats, Dayton outperformed Marquette significantly in the paint, outscoring them 46-26 overall. This proficiency was evident as Dayton shot 55.6 percent from the field during the second half, showcasing the effectiveness of their offensive strategy under pressure.
The dominance of Dayton’s defense was also reflected by their ten total steals during the match, three coming from both Bennett and Cheeks, demonstrating aggressiveness on both ends of the court. The Flyers were able to thwart Marquette's four last-minute shots, sealing their win.
Up next, Dayton will host UNLV at the same arena on Tuesday, hoping to build on this momentum. The matchup is scheduled to tip-off at 7:00 p.m. ET as the Flyers aim to continue their strong season.
For fans, this game will be remembered as one of the highlights of Dayton's athletic history. The atmosphere at UD Arena was electric, with students arriving early to tailgate and demonstrate their support, proving once again how integral the fanbase is to the team's success. The Flyers' ability to stay focused and rally together against adversity showcases not only their skill on the court but also character as a team, setting the stage for what could be a notable season.
