Flyers Win 500th Game at UD Arena

DAYTON - The University of Dayton Flyers marched into history, recording their 500th win at UD Arena since its inception in 1969, beating the Boston Terriers 74-60 and extending their home win streak to 27 games.

Head Coach Brian Gregory and his team were presented the game ball by University of Dayton Vice President and Director of Athletics Tim Wabler after the team’s historic win.

“The reason we have 500 wins is the greatest fans in the world, the Flyer Faithful. Thank you so much,” Gregory said.

The sellout crowd not only witnessed history, they saw how dangerous this Flyer team can be when in sync. With three players notching double figures, Dayton fired on all cylinders against the Terriers.

Junior Rob Lowery had a career night, recording 23 points on seven three-pointers, while adding four assists. Forward Chris Wright tallied a season-high five dunks against the Terriers. Wright fell short of the school record of six dunks set by Sean Finn against Prairie View on Dec. 20, 2003. He finished with 19 points and a team-leading eight rebounds.

Chris Johnson returned for the first time since suffering a concussion in the first minute of the Presbyterian game on Dec. 19. Chris was a perfect 4-for-4, launching one trey. Marcus Johnson also made a comeback after spraining his left ankle in the Presbyterian game. Marcus had four assists in 14 minutes of action.

The game began with a 17-2 Flyers’ run that was started by a monstrous Devin Searcy dunk. But the Terriers kept it close as they got to within seven in the first half. Boston forward John Holland, who leads the America East Conference with 19.4 points per game, only had five in the first half and nine total.

UD finished the half with a running three-pointer at the buzzer by Lowery. He had seven three’s in the game, which is second all-time in UD Arena history. Thanks to Lowery’s 14 first-half points, UD led at the break 41-29.

Boston clawed their way back to a four point deficit with 14:30 left in the game. It was as close as the Terriers would come in their attempt to stop the Flyers from history.

On Dayton’s next three possessions, Wright scored three straight baskets, the last being a thunderous dunk on a lob from London Warren. It was one of Warren’s nine assists on the night.

The crowd erupted after Wright’s throw-down and Boston Head Coach Patrick Chambers was forced to call a timeout, trailing by 10.

Dayton closed out the Terriers, earning the Arena’s illustrious 500th win, while remaining perfect in the month of December at home. The Flyers have not lost at home in the month of December since Dec. 30, 2005 against Vanderbilt. Dayton has also held its last five opponents to 40 percent from the field.

UD travels west to face the No. 19/17 New Mexico Lobos in the Pit at 7:00 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast live on CBS College Sports. For more information visit www.DaytonFlyers.com.