Dayton routs VCU with one of best offensive performances in school history

Flyers set school record for points in a first half

Joey Gruden capped one of the greatest offensive performances by the Dayton Flyers in school history with a 3-pointer, the first of his career, in the final minute as UD routed VCU 106-79 on Friday at UD Arena.

Dayton set a school record for points scored in the first half, building a 66-41 halftime lead and then coasted in the second half.

The previous record of 65 points was set on March 3, 1990, against Xavier. The record for points scored in any half is 74 (against Ashland in 1979).

Darrell Davis led the Flyers with 28 points. Jordan Davis had 21. Trey Landers scored 15. Josh Cunningham 13. Jalen Crutcher scored 12.

Dayton improved to 9-8 and 3-2 in the Atlantic 10. It won a second game in a row for the first time this season and for the first time last March when it beat VCU on Senior Night for a ninth straight victory.

FIRST-HALF RECAP

Star of the half: Darrell Davis scored 21 points, making 7 of 7 shots from the field, 3 of 3 3-pointers and 4 of 4 free throws. He even had a 4-point play.

Big start: Jordan Davis scored 11 of his 13 points in the first four minutes.

Key stat: Dayton made 12 of 18 3-pointers (66.7 percent).

More amazing stats: Dayton made 24 of 35 field goals and 6 of 6 free throws. ... Jalen Crutcher scored 9 points on 3-of-4 shooting. ... Dayton committed only four turnovers. ... VCU trailed by 25 at halftime despite shooting 47.1 percent from the floor.

Lineup news: Kostas Antetokounmpo won't play Friday because he's sick. He's at the arena but not on the bench.

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