Mikesell scored eight points in 16 minutes against Davidson last week and then played two minutes against George Washington. He played two minutes again Tuesday.
Explaining the lack of playing time for the freshmen, Miller said, “We’re trying right now like crazy to develop a rotation and chemistry. That’s the best thing for this team as we move forward and hit February.”
The Flyers are sticking to an eight-man rotation with Scoochie Smith, Kyle Davis, Kendall Pollard, Charles Cooke and Dyshawn Pierre starting and Darrell Davis, Steve McElvene and Crosby coming off the bench.
That’s one point to take from Dayton’s 15th victory. Here are three more:
1. Dominating series: The Flyers (15-3, 5-1) have won six straight games against the Bonnies and three straight at the Reilly Center. Dayton beat St. Bonaventure three times last season and expected to face an angry team Tuesday. They got that in the second half as the Bonnies rallied to turn a 31-point deficit into a six-point loss.
Dayton allowed 61 points in the second half. That ties for the eight-most points it has ever allowed in the second half. It’s the first time it has allowed 60 points in the second half since Xavier scored 66 on March 3, 1990.
“Our guys showed great character,” St. Bonaventure coach Mark Schmidt said. “I’m really proud of what they did to come back and cut a 31-point lead to six. It just showed what our guys are made of. They could have laid down and quit. They fought. We played much more aggressive. Our press was effective. In the end, it’s a loss against a very good team.”
2. McElvene's game: McElvene played only 14 minutes. He had five points, two rebounds and two blocks.
“We were a little nervous about (St. Bonaventure’s) small lineup,” Miller said, “but Steve impacted the game.”
Miller praised Charles Cooke, who scored a team-high 21, and said guard Darrell Davis continues to get better. He scored 12 points off the bench on 5-of-7 shooting.
3. Big picture: At 15-3, the Flyers can equal the start they had last season.
“We’ve got to get mentally tougher,” Miller said. “Being able to build on a win is a good thing, especially on the road in the conference.”
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