What do you do when you underachieve despite your talent level, and preseason projections? You go to the NIT Final Four of course! You also manage to do so by beating a team you have always wondered what would happen if you ever played them in their own gym.
The Dayton Flyers marched into Assembly Hall and promptly dismantled the Fighting Illini 77-71, despite their odd black uniforms. Using their usual blend of athleticism, uptempo play, better than average three point shooting, and tough defense, the Flyers built two different 16 point leads, and despite it getting a little hairy at the end, largely outplayed the Illini for much of the contest. There were a couple of milestones achieved with the win for the Flyers. This marks the first time Dayton has beaten a Big Ten team since the 2001-2002 season. It's also the first time Dayton has gone to the NIT Final Four since 1968.
As a Dayton alum, it's not that hard to remember that this season was a disappointment overall. UD will still approach a crossroads coming up when this season does eventually end. Will they fight to keep coach Brian Gregory as he will no doubt be courted by teams with vacancies? Both arguments for and against keeping him are more than valid. That will have to wait for the moment though as the Flyers are Madison Square Garden bound. Even though winning the NIT is always the equivalent of being the tallest Midget, it will still make me chuckle when I see the "NIT Final Four" Banner hanging in UD Arena. Get the Velcro ready!
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