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Mid-major Basketball power rankings: Dayton, Gonzaga and ETSU rises up

By Tristan Freeman

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 01: Matt Mitchell #11 of the San Diego State Aztecs steals possession of the ball in the second half against the Utah State Aggies at Viejas Arena on February 01, 2020 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 01: Matt Mitchell #11 of the San Diego State Aztecs steals possession of the ball in the second half against the Utah State Aggies at Viejas Arena on February 01, 2020 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images) /
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DAYTON, OHIO – FEBRUARY 22: Obi Toppin #1 of the Dayton Flyers celebrate (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
DAYTON, OHIO – FEBRUARY 22: Obi Toppin #1 of the Dayton Flyers celebrate (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

1. Dayton Flyers (28-2, 17-0 Atlantic 10)

While the Kansas Jayhawks were the actual winners of the Maui Invitational this season, it was Dayton who springboarded into the national conversation after an epic overtime matchup in the finals. And outside of another overtime loss to Colorado, the Flyers haven’t lost since, including going unbeaten in the Atlantic 10 regular-season heading into Saturday’s home game versus George Washington.

While Dayton has had some close calls, particularly in their two matchups with Saint Louis, they’ve just dominated the conference from start to finish and will be a heavy favorite to win the upcoming conference tournament. If that happens, the A-10 may end up being a one-bid league.

But the Flyers have even bigger goals than the Atlantic 10. They have all the pieces needed to make a Final Four run, led by likely Conference Player of the Year and All-American Obi Toppin, averaging 19.8 ppg and 7.6 rpg. He has plenty of help as well, with dynamic point guard Jalen Crutcher initiating the offense (15 ppg and 5 apg), along with double-digit scorers Trey Landers and Ibi Watson. Dayton is the No. 1 shooting team in the country (52%) and arguably has the most efficient overall offense in the country.

Next. Ranking all 32 conference tournaments. dark

The team seems to have locked up at least a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament but could possibly move up to a 1 if they win the Atlantic 10 Tournament, while either Gonzaga or San Diego State falls in their respective events. But no matter what, it’ll take a herculean effort for any team to outscore the lethal offense the Flyers have.

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