Dayton Flyers Stage Remarkable Comeback to Clinch Victory on Senior Night

In an exhilarating game at UD Arena, the No. 25 Dayton Flyers pulled off a historic comeback against Virginia Commonwealth, securing a thrilling 91-86 victory on Senior Night. The Flyers' resilience and determination shone through as they fought back from a 17-point deficit to achieve their 13th straight Senior Night win and finish the regular season with a commendable record of 24-6.

The atmosphere was electric at UD Arena, with the stands adorned in 13,407 T-shirts sponsored by Alta Fiber, transforming the Decibel Dungeon into a sea of red. The Flyers themselves donned special red jerseys instead of their usual home whites, creating a unified and vibrant presence on the court.

The Senior Day ceremony warmed hearts as Zimi Nwokeji, the last remaining player from the 2019-20 roster, walked onto the court with his family alongside teammates Kobe Elvis and C.J. Napier, evoking emotional moments of reminiscing and gratitude.

Despite a rocky start, with VCU dominating the game and forcing Dayton into committing six turnovers within the first 10 minutes, Dayton coach Anthony Grant called a crucial timeout to regroup and rally his team. The Flyers never wavered in their belief and cohesion, staying united even in the face of adversity.

Koby Brea, Dayton's guard, expressed his unwavering confidence in the team, stating, "I feel like no deficit is impossible for us to overcome. When we saw that happen, that's when we really got close. In those moments, when we really need each other and things aren't going well, that's when we get the tightest. From there, the rest is history."

The turning point of the game came with a memorable go-ahead 3-pointer by Nate Santos in the second half. The thrilling contest continued with missed opportunities by VCU's Zeb Jackson and clutch game-tying and go-ahead 3-pointers by Dayton's Kobe Elvis in overtime. The Flyers made history with their remarkable comeback victory, showcasing the grit and determination that coach Grant praised in his postgame press conference.

Dayton's success was further highlighted by their impeccable performance at home this season, with a perfect 15-0 record at UD Arena. This marked the fourth time the Flyers achieved such a feat, previously accomplishing it in the 2019-20, 2014-15, and 2009 seasons. The team held a strong sense of appreciation for the fans' unwavering support, considering the commitment and dedication they have shown throughout the season.

The victory over VCU also ended a streak of losses for Dayton, as they emerged victorious on Senior Night for the first time since 2020 after consecutive defeats in 2021, 2022, and 2023. The rivalry between the two teams was evident throughout the fiercely contested match, with Dayton displaying resilience and unity in their pursuit of victory.

Dayton's comeback was ignited by an impressive 8-0 run, narrowing the gap to the VCU lead. The Flyers' strong shooting performance from beyond the arc, particularly after halftime, played a crucial role in chipping away at the deficit. A standout moment came when Koby Brea's three-pointer cut VCU's lead to 62-61, swiftly followed by Nate Santos's go-ahead three, giving Dayton their first lead of the game.

Both teams continued to battle fiercely, trading blows and making significant shots. Enoch Cheeks and Brea's back-to-back baskets tied the game at the 2:31 and 1:35 marks, keeping the excitement levels high. However, neither team managed to score in the final minute of regulation, with both Brea and Jackson missing crucial shots in the dying seconds.

As the game headed into overtime, six lead changes exemplified the intensity of the contest. Jackson's go-ahead three-pointer gave VCU a temporary advantage, but Kobe Elvis swiftly responded with a game-tying three-pointer at the 1:09 mark. Dayton seized the moment when Cheeks, filling in for the injured Javon Bennett at point guard, displayed excellent court vision, setting up Elvis for another three-pointer that secured an 83-80 lead with 43 seconds remaining.

From there, Dayton sealed the victory by converting free throws, successfully making eight of their last ten attempts. VCU fought hard until the end, but two late three-pointers were not enough to overturn Dayton's lead.

A standout performance came from Dayton's DaRon Holmes II, who led the team with 23 points in what could have been his final home game as a Flyer. Nate Santos followed closely with 21 points, while Koby Brea and Kobe Elvis scored 18 and 15 points, respectively. Enoch Cheeks contributed 14 points, showcasing the team's reliance on their starters, who combined to score all 91 points in the game.

After the nail-biting victory, coach Grant expressed his awe and admiration for his team, highlighting their perseverance and character throughout this challenging season. The victory exemplified the never-give-up attitude of the Flyers, leaving a lasting impression on their fans and rivals alike.

Dayton will now look ahead to their forthcoming matchup, eager to carry their momentum into the next stage of their journey.