An A-10 battle between two of the conference’s best programs will take place in Ohio on Saturday. The Billikens sit at 14-2 after two tough losses to Wisconsin and Wichita State. They were able to win their first conference road game earlier this week in a tough 59-58 battle up in Rhode Island.
While that game is a testimony to the fact that the Rams are more improved than people realize, it is also a reminder that St. Louis is an offense that struggles often. They are a team that enjoys shooting the three, but only possesses one regular hitting over 30%.
Jim Crews team ranks only 145 in offensive efficiency, and their schedule has few juggernauts on it outside of the aforementioned losses. This team sits where it is right now thanks to a very good defense that is predicated on perimeter quickness. Dwayne Evans, Jordair Jett, Mike McCall and Austin McBroom are talented veterans who are excellent at stopping penetration.
Dayton has achieved early success in large part thanks to an offense that is both balanced and consistent. Dyshawn Pierre gives them an undersized forward who should have the ability to create problems with his quickness here.
Jordan Sibert, Devin Oliver and Vee Sanford are nice shooters who are also capable of scoring from dribble penetration. Dayton is a top 30 offense because they do not settle for bad shots. They work the ball around and create opportunities using spacing and motion.
But St. Louis is well built in terms of what they do on defense to neutralize Dayton’s offense. Dayton’s big wins have all come against groups who generally struggle defensively, and so it’ll be quite interesting to see how things play out here.
I had this game at Dayton -2, and the current line is very much in sync with that expectation. They are good enough to be a small home favorite in this spot. One aspect of this game which could benefit them is the start time. An 11 A.M. start typically favors the home team, but I do expect St. Louis to be ready to play here. I’d jump on the Flyers at anything shy of 2, although this number is more likely to rise right now than to fall.
