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Davidson vs Dayton: 2021-22 college basketball game preview, TV schedule

By Dave Ascoli

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 05: Hyunjung Lee #1 of the Davidson Wildcats is introduced before a college basketball game against the George Washington Colonials at the Smith Center on February 5, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 05: Hyunjung Lee #1 of the Davidson Wildcats is introduced before a college basketball game against the George Washington Colonials at the Smith Center on February 5, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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Expect a March Madness feel on Saturday afternoon when Dayton hosts Davidson in the Atlantic 10 regular-season finale for both clubs.

Game time: Saturday, March 5, 12:30 p.m. ET
TV schedule: USA Network
Location: UD Arena, Dayton, OH

If you’re looking for a preview of what the final two days of the A-10 Tournament will look like, flip on USA Network at around 12:30 on Saturday. Dayton and Davidson will play one final contest before the conference tourney tips off next week. And although both teams have already clinched the elusive top-four seed (and double-bye), there’s still plenty to play for on both sides. Here’s what to expect.

First, the Davidson Wildcats. Bob McKillop’s squad will bring a 25-4 (15-2) record to UD Arena, and they’ve already locked up at least a share of the A-10 regular-season title. They’re also carrying a five-game winning streak, with their last loss coming at the hands of Rhode Island. That defeat also marked the only time Davidson has fallen on the road this season. The Wildcats have a pretty solid NCAA Tournament resume, with wins over Alabama, VCU, and Saint Louis. A road win over Dayton would certainly add to the already impressive team sheet.

The ‘Cats are led by junior win Hyunjung Lee and his 16.5 points per game. The 6’7″ South Korean has established himself as not only one of the better players in the A-10 but in the country. He’s shooting it at 48.2 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from three.

He’s joined in the starting lineup by senior big man Luka Brajkovic. The 6’10” forward is averaging 14.9 points and 7.9 rebounds on the year. But the big question for Davidson is the health of Foster Loyer. The point guard has missed four-straight games with a lower leg injury, and his status for Saturday is unknown.

As for Dayton, they’re 21-9 (13-4) on the year, including a 12-4 mark at home. Their at-large chances are probably dead due to losses against UMass Lowell, Lipscomb, Austin Peay, and La Salle. But they’ll be a three seed in the A-10 Tourney at worst, and a win this weekend could slide them into the two spot. They’ll be plenty motivated to grab it on Senior Day.

DaRon Holmes leads the way in the scoring department with 11.6 points per game. The freshman also has 6.1 rebounds per game and has been a force for one of the youngest teams in the country. Georgia transfer Toumani Camara is the other double-figure scorer for the Flyers. He’s averaging 11.0 points a game to go along with 6.5 rebounds.

Next. Top 30 players midway through A-10 season. dark

UD may not be in the at-large mix any longer, but a victory over the top team in the league will send a message that they can still win it all in Washington, D.C. next week.

Prediction: Dayton 72 – Davidson 65

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