Dayton Basketball: 2019-20 keys to beating Duquesne at home

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DAYTON, OH – FEBRUARY 11: Jalen Crutcher #10 of the Dayton Flyers (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

2. Jalen Crutcher needs to continue his strong year

Toppin is Dayton’s go-to player without a doubt, but every superhero has a dependable sidekick and the National Player of the Year candidate is no different, enter junior guard Jalen Crutcher. The 6-1 native of Memphis has had a fantastic year so far and his play has made sure that Dayton opponents haven’t been able to focus their defensive efforts on Toppin.

If Dayton wants to earn a season sweep of Duquesne, Crutcher will need to continue to play a key role for the Flyers. Crutcher, in his third season, has seen his statistical numbers improve greatly. As a sophomore, he averaged 13.2 points, four rebounds, and 5.7 assists, with the last, two numbers the only ones that have gone down as a junior. This year he is netting 15 points, while his field goal percentage has gone up 4.5%, his three-point percentage up 6%, his free-throw shooting 16% while his turnovers have gone down to just 2.1 per game.

Over the last 10 games, Crutcher has stepped it up even more offensively, averaging 18 points per game while shooting 51% from deep. Crutcher will need to continue to be a strong No. 2 offensive option for Dayton to come away with a win.