5 Bold Predictions For No. 6 Providence vs. No. 11 Dayton

By Jerry Landry

5 Bold Predictions For No. 6 Providence vs. No. 11 Dayton

Dayton Flyers Jordan Sibert NCAA Tournament First Four — The Dayton Flyers run small, no starter taller than 6-foot-6, while the Providence Friars are supplemented with size, just one starter shorter than 6-foot-6. Will this matter? Yes it would, if this weren’t March Madness. The tourney is a proving ground for punishment, and nothing is more punishing than an aberrant upset. Here are five bold predictions that could predicate yet another logically-unsound outcome.

5. Dayton Starts Game On 10-2 Run

Dayton Flyers NCAA Tournament Providence Friars celebrating

5. Dayton Starts Game On 10-2 Run

Dayton Flyers NCAA Tournament Providence Friars celebrating — Although Dayton’s strength of schedule is somewhere between “weak” and “Northeast Connecticut JV basketball”, the Flyers could have residual momentum from surviving against the Boise State Broncos just two nights prior. Expect Dayton to come out as if there’s nothing to lose and play significantly more loose than Providence — especially since the Flyers will be playing in nearby Columbus, Ohio.

4. There Will Be 15 Turnovers In The First Half

Providence Friars NCAA Tournament mistakes turnovers

4. There Will Be 15 Turnovers In The First Half

Providence Friars NCAA Tournament mistakes turnovers — Both Dayton and Providence have a proclivity to turn the ball over, as Dayton averages 11 giveaways per game while Providence notches 12. Add in the atmospheric intensity of March Madness, and it’s not too brave to expect a several thefts of possession.

3. Providence’s LaDontae Henton Will Have Game-Highs In Points And Rebounds

Providence Friars NCAA Tournament LaDontae Henton

3. Providence’s LaDontae Henton Will Have Game-Highs In Points And Rebounds

Providence Friars NCAA Tournament LaDontae Henton — When games get tight, nearly every team relies on a hero. The Friars’ answer to Dayton will be 6-foot-6 senior LaDontae Henton and his ability to go from zero to double-double in just 40 minutes.

2. Dayton’s Darrell Davis Hits Game’s Biggest Shot

Dayton Flyers Darrell Davis game winner

2. Dayton’s Darrell Davis Hits Game’s Biggest Shot

Dayton Flyers Darrell Davis game winner — Although averaging a paltry 4.4 points per game, Darrell Davis is Steve Kerr-like from the perimeter, shooting 42.6 percent behind the arc. All it takes to influence game inflection is one big shot, so expect it to come from the best shooter on the floor.

1. Dayton Advances To Next Round

Dayton Flyers NCAA Tournament advance upset

1. Dayton Advances To Next Round

Dayton Flyers NCAA Tournament advance upset — Although Dayton barely survived a home game in the Round of 68, I expect the Flyers to get through the Round of 64. Fourth-year head coach Archie Miller has overseen the growth of Dayton’s program and will continue to oversee strong tournament showings.

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Providence Friars

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