NCAA Basketball: Tennessee, Baylor, Illinois rise in latest top 25 power rankings

17. Dayton (21-4)

There’s little doubt that Dayton is the best team in the A-10 this season, albeit not exactly in the strongest season for their conference. The Flyers have played remarkable ball at times this season, especially during a long winning streak that ended back in January. Their only losses have come to tough competition away from home and they got back on track this week after a recent defeat at VCU.

First, the Flyers won 75-59 at home over Duquesne back on Tuesday, getting another fantastic outing from Daron Holmes II, who had 24 points and 11 rebounds. It was business as usual over the weekend as well, as Dayton beat Fordham 78-70. Unsurprisingly, Holmes led the charge again with 29 points and 10 rebounds while Javon Bennett added 14 points, with the Flyers shooting 57% from the field.

While the shooting has been cold a few times in recent weeks, this is a Flyers team that plays efficient offense and solid enough defense to make some noise this season. The record is great and they sit in fine shape with the Selection Committee. Holmes’ play has put them in this position as his star only continues to grow. We’ll see if Dayton can continue to hold serve with an intriguing road game at George Mason next week.