Dayton Flyers

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DAYTON, Ohio -- The University of Dayton women's basketball team broke open a tight game in the second half, turning a six-point halftime lead into a a 68-44 win over Buffalo Friday in the first round of the Dayton Flyer Marriott Classic.  Dayton, ranked 24th in the latest AP poll and 25th in the coaches poll, improved to 5-0, while Buffalo fell to 1-4.

The Flyers were led by Amber Deane's 14 points.  Joining Deane in double digits were two non-starters -- Brittany Wilson (13 points) and Kelly Austria (11).  The UD bench outscored Buffalo's 40-5 in the game.

Austria shot four-for-five from the field and had a career-high seven steals.
Dayton’s defense was able to force 27 turnovers and held Buffalo to just 16-52 shooting from the floor (30.8%)

During the opening minutes of play, Buffalo held a 6-2 lead due to a cold shooting performance by the home team.  The Flyers started the game making just one of their first eight shots from the floor.  The Bulls were able to extend their lead to as much as five at the 12:17 minute mark in the first half.

With 10:01 left in the first half, Dayton able to tie the game 12-12 thanks to Kelley Austria’s fast-break three-point play.  Austria was able to knock down a three-pointer to give the Flyers their first lead (15-12) at the 7:09 minute mark. Dayton led 29-23 lead at the half. 

The Flyers shot 35.5% from the field and 27.3% from the three-point line in the first half. Despite the cold shooting performance, Dayton’s stifling defense was able to force Buffalo to commit 13 turnovers.

Buffalo scored the first five points of the second, to cut Dayton’s lead was cut to one, 29-28.  After the two teams traded baskets, the Flyers responded with a 23-0 run over an 11-minute stretch.  Dayton’s defense held Buffalo without a field goal from nearly 13 minutes. 
Every player who played at least four minutes for UD scored.  Ally Malott led the Flyers in rebounding with nine, and Samantha McKay led in assists with five against just one turnover.

Buffalo will play Eastern Illinois at the Arena Saturday evening at 7:00 p.m. ET in the second round of the Dayton Flyer Marriott Classic.  Dayton will take on EIU on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. ET in the tournament finale.

Written by Ryan Wilker, UD Athletics Communication Student, Class of 2018