By Stretch Jenkinson

2/9/2024

Flyers Hold Rams Scoreless Over Last Six Minutes

RICHMOND, Va. – In a game that saw both teams score their lowest point total of the season, home-standing VCU edged the University of Dayton 49-47 Friday night.

Dayton had a shot at the end of the game that would have sent it into overtime, but DaRon Holmes II’s one-handed banker from just outside the lane came off the rim with a second to go.

Nate Santos led all scorers with 19 points.  Holmes was the game’s second-leading scorer with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Dayton is now 19-4 overall and in second place in the Atlantic 10 with a 9-2 record.  VCU is 16-8 and 8-3 in the A-10.

GAME RECAP
1st Half – VCU 25, Dayton 22
•    Nate Santos opened the scoring with a three from the right corner at the 18;43 mark
•    VCU scored the next five points to take the lead with 15:06 left in the half.
•    Santos tied it 31 seconds later, but the Rams scored on the next possession and Dayton would not lead again.
•    The game was either tied or a one-score game for 12:31 of the remaining 14:15 of the half.
2nd Half – VCU 49, Dayton 47
•    Santos scored first again, with a tough layup through traffic to make it a one-point game.
•    VCU scored the next five points in the next 55 seconds, and seven of the next eight to lead 32-25 with 18:11 left.
•    UD got back to within two, 43-41 with 8:30 to go on layups by Isaac Jack, Enoch Cheeks and Santos
•    The Rams led by seven, 49-42 at the six-minute mark.
•    Koby Brea hit a three to make the score 49-45 with 4:46 left.
•    Santos drained two clutch free throws at the 3:05 mark to make it a two-point game.
•    Dayton’s last three possessions were a step out of bounds on the sideline, an offensive hooking foul on a drive and the shot that could have sent it to overtime.

BY THE NUMBERS
•    37% — The two teams combined to shoot .370 from the field (37-100).  Dayton shot .362 (and just 5-of-21 from three), while VCU shot .377.
•    19 – Nate Santos scored a game-high 19 points.
•    23 – DaRon Homes II had his 23rd career double-double (and sixth this year) with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
•    18 – The Flyers shot 18 free throws in the game, and made nine.  Santos made 4-of-5 and Holmes was an uncharacteristic 5-for-18.
•    4 — Javon Bennett led Dayton with four assists.

UP NEXT
•    UD is back home on Tuesday against Duquesne.
•    Game time is 7 p.m. ET.

COURTESY DAYTON MEDIA RELATIONS