Xavier loses at Dayton, 70-59

Xavier falls to conference rival Dayton by a score of 70-59. The Musketeers were never able to get fully going on the offensive and defensive ends, which led to their loss.

Travis Taylor opened the game on a layup to give Xavier the 2-0 lead. From that point on the Musketeers would never lead in the game and would be working to catch up to the Flyers. Dayton, on the other hand, was able to get out to a hot start. Balanced scoring by the Flyers propelled them to a 12-2 run. A reverse layup by Dee Davis stopped the run.

The Musketeers were able to get a small run in, helped mostly by the play of Isaiah Philmore. He scored 3 points in a small 5-0 run that helped Xavier cut the lead to 16-11. However, Dayton was able to counter with a small 5-0 run to extend the lead back to double digits. Josh Benson scored all 5 points during the run.

A made jumper by Philmore cut the Dayton lead to 5, but the Flyers were able to extend the lead before going into halftime. A made three by Matt Derenbecker and two converted free throws by Kevin Dillard gave Dayton a 34-26 lead at half.

Semaj started the second half on a more positive note; scoring four straight points cutting the Flyers lead to only four. Dyshawn Pierre hit two free throws extending the lead to 39-32. In similar fashion Semaj was able to take charge and bring the Musketeers back into the game. Christon pulled up and hit a jumper making the game 40-36. On the next possession, Semaj blocked the ball and went coast to coast before getting fouled. He would hit one of two free throws bringing Xavier to within three.

A tip dunk by Erik Stenger kept the Dayton lead at three points, but the Flyers would go on a 9-0 run to blow the game wide open. Kevin Dillard was the difference maker during the run. His and-1 layup and converted free throw extended the lead back to double digits at 49-39.

A made three by Justin Martin, followed by a tip in by Travis Taylor started a mini 5-0 run that helped the Musketeers cut the lead to seven points. From that point on Xavier would never get closer as Kevin Dillard was able to control the last part of the game. Dillard scored 8 of his 17 points in the last 7 minutes of the game on his way to leading the Flyers to a victory.

Xavier was led in scoring by Semaj Christon who finished with 17 points, but also had 5 turnovers. Isaiah Philmore had 12 points. Travis Taylor finished with 10 points. Although Jeff Robinson didn't score, he led the Musketeers with 10 rebounds.

Dayton was led in scoring by Kevin Dillard who finished with 17 points. Josh Benson had 16 points off the bench. Matt Derenbecker contributed 10 points off the bench as well. Dyshawn Pierre finished with 10 points.

The Musketeers streak of 11 straight games outrebounding an opponent ends as the Flyers outrebounded Xavier 27-25.

Xavier is back in action on the road against Rhode Island on Wednesday February 20. The game is set to tip off at 7:00 P.M.