Busting Brackets
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Dayton Basketball: 2019-20 season preview for Flyers

By Ben Andreatta

DAYTON, OH - NOVEMBER 30: Dayton Flyers cheerleaders get ready before the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at UD Arena on November 30, 2018 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
DAYTON, OH - NOVEMBER 30: Dayton Flyers cheerleaders get ready before the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at UD Arena on November 30, 2018 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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DAYTON, OH – NOVEMBER 30: Quinndary Weatherspoon #11 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs handles the ball against Trey Landers #3 of the Dayton Flyers in the first half of the game at UD Arena on November 30, 2018 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
DAYTON, OH – NOVEMBER 30: Quinndary Weatherspoon #11 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs handles the ball against Trey Landers #3 of the Dayton Flyers in the first half of the game at UD Arena on November 30, 2018 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Non-Conference Games

Nov 25th Georgia (Maui)

Georgia in the first round of the Maui is going to be a challenge, Dayton fell to both SEC opponents they faced last year. Coming off of a top 10 recruiting class highlighted by 5-star recruit and the second-best recruit in the nation Cole Anthony. Dayton will have its hands full but a win here would be big and set up what could be a huge game.

Nov 26th Michigan State/ Virginia Tech (Maui)

If Dayton manages to beat Georgia odds are they’ll play Michigan State, that’s a tough one. If Dayton loses to Georgia it’s likely they’ll see Virginia Tech, a must-win to avoid falling to 0-2 in the tournament. Dayton will be guaranteed a third game in Maui no matter the results of the first two.

Dec 8th Saint Mary’s (Neutral Site, Phoenix)

This is a very intriguing game especially at a neutral site out in Phoenix. Flyer Nation travels pretty well but this will likely feel like a home game for Saint Mary’s. The Gaels are expected to be pretty good as always this season and should challenge Gonzaga in the WCC.

Dec 21st Colorado (Neutral Site, Chicago)

I mentioned Flyer Nation likes to travel, this should feel like a home game for Dayton. Colorado is another team that’s intriguing. This is actually going to be a rematch from the NIT last season. The Buffs knocked out Dayton in the first round, Colorado is expected to improve and are a team looking to go dancing in March.

There are a lot of solid opportunities for Dayton to pick up those quality wins necessary for the at large bid. A lot of these games are winnable and will be good tests to prep the Flyers for non-conference play. I’m sure Grant and fans are hoping that the at large bid won’t be needed and the Flyers will be able to win the A-10 Championship Tournament to get that auto bid.