Dayton vs LSU: 2023-24 college basketball game preview, TV schedule

The Charleston Classic will feature eight programs that look to impress, but Dayton and LSU should put on a show on Thursday.

TV schedule: Thursday, November 16, 4:00 PM ET. ESPN2

Arena: TD Arena in Charleston, South Carolina

Dayton is the preseason favorite to win the Atlantic 10 Conference; however, the Flyers have already dealt with some adversity early this season. After dropping their most recent game to Northwestern, the team is 1-1 through two games. While the Flyers will look to bounce back against LSU, they will have to do it without starting guard Malachi Smith, who suffered a season-ending knee injury seven minutes into Dayton’s season opener against SIUE.

The Flyers will now rely even more on Preseason First Team All-Atlantic 10 and All-Defensive team member Daron Holmes II, who was the only A10 player to finish in the top five for both points and rebounds last season. He also led the conference in blocks and the nation in dunks. This year, he is averaging 18 points,7.5 rebounds, and four assists while shooting 50 percent.

Lousiana State also sits 1-1 after taking down Mississippi Valley State and dropping their second game to Nicholls State. The Tigers are led by senior forward Will Baker, a transfer from Nevada. The seven-foot big man is averaging 15.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and shooting 73.3 percent from the field. Baker had 29 points and shot 90.9 percent in the Tigers’ season-opening victory.

The Tigers will be tested for the second straight game when they face off against Dayton. Last season, LSU finished 14-19 overall after performing well in non-conference play and starting the season with an 11-2 record. Outside the Charleston Classic, the Tigers are scheduled for more challenging matchups with Syracuse, Kansas State, and Texas before facing SEC opponents.

It will be exciting to see the battle between two of the nation’s top big men in college basketball. While LSU is listed as the favorite to win, both teams are coming off frustrating losses, which should make for a close and competitive game.

We can expect Holmes II to make an impact, but watch out for Dayton guard Koby Brea, who has nicely stepped into the starting guard role and is currently tied for fourth in the A-10 in three-pointers per game. For that reason, the Flyers will have the last laugh.

Prediction: Dayton 72, Louisana State 66