Rhode Island vs. Dayton: Preview, prediction, and TV Schedule

After two tough in-conference contests, the Rhode Island Rams are looking to bounce back at home in the Ryan Center against the Dayton Flyers.

Matchup: Dayton Flyers (13-14, 7-8) at Rhode Island Rams (22-4, 14-1)

Date and time: February 23rd, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.

Network: ESPN2

Location: Ryan Center in Kingston, RI

How have the Rams been playing as of late?

Not many could have foreseen the Rams falling on the road to St. Bonaventure last week, but that’s why we play the games. The Kingston squad then followed up their loss at St. Bonaventure with a tough, overtime win against a La Salle team that they beat by 12 earlier this year. In these past two outings, the Rams have given up an average of 83.5 points per game while being outrebounded by nine boards per game.

How have the Flyers been playing as of late?

The Dayton Flyers are riding high in the sky after back-to-back wins over St. Louis and Fordham. While they haven’t shot the ball particularly well over the last five games, they have won their games from the charity stripe. In their last five games, the Flyers have shot 77% from the line, while getting to the free throw line eight more times than their opponents. Dayton will need to continue this trend to have any hope on Friday.

Key Player to Watch: Darrell Davis

If the Flyers are going to have any shot against the Rams, Dayton’s starting point guard, Darrell Davis, has to be on point. In the first matchup between the two schools, the Flyers finished -11 in the turnover department. Much of that disturbing statistic came from the Flyers point guard, who turned over the ball a season-high eight times. Not to mention, Davis is one of the team’s most active 3-point shooters, but he attempted only one 3-pointer in the team’s first meeting with the Rams. If the Flyers are going to compete on Friday night, he’s got to show up.

Next: Week 16 Bracketology: Where is Rhody?

This has the makings of a potentially great game in the Atlantic 10. Even though Dayton is in the midst of a down season, they could come out of nowhere to play spoiler in this one. On the flip side, Rhody is at home and will get to show just how good they are on ESPN2, where plenty of people will be watching.

Final Prediction: Rhode Island, 77 – Dayton, 71