This season, Smith has increased his scoring average from 11.7 to 13.9. His field-goal percentage has climbed from 43.9 to 46.4. With 1,111 points, he ranks 35th in UD history, 34 behind former teammate Dyshawn Pierre.
Dayton coach Archie Miller said it’s hard to put into words what Smith has meant to the program.
“At the very beginning, Kevin Dillard was our point guard,” Miller said. “We had him for two years. We had to recruit a guy who fit the style of play we wanted and at the same time a guy who was a winner. Scoochie … has good length and speed and can score.”
Smith came on late in his freshman season, Miller said, and helped guide the Flyers to the Elite Eight.
“He helped us make one of the greatest runs in school history,” Miller said. “He was a big reason why we were able to do that. Then he was just thrust into the fire from that point forward. He and a number of guys have put together a winning mentality, a culture around here of how to do things.”
Davis returns: After missing two games with a sprained ankle and bruised foot, Dayton guard Kyle Davis returned to action Friday. He suffered the injury in the second half at Duquesne on Jan. 14.
Shoe news: Dayton coaches wore sneakers with gold laces Friday in support of Princess Lacey's Legacy. Lacey Holsworth was an 8-year-old who formed a friendship with Michigan State player and Jefferson High School graduate Adreian Payne, before dying of cancer in 2014. The Lace Up For Lacey campaign raises money for pediatric cancer research.
Week ahead: Dayton plays at Fordham (9-11, 3-4) at 9 p.m. Tuesday and then plays host to Duquesne (9-12, 2-6) at 12:30 p.m.
Fordham has made some noise in the A-10 by beating Davidson and, in its last games, VCU and Massachusetts. Fordham plays Davidson for a second time at noon Saturday. Dayton has a 12-game winning streak against Fordham.
Dayton will play Duquesne for the second time in three weeks. The Flyers won 76-57 in Pittsburgh on Jan. 14. Since that game, Duquesne has lost to George Washington, Rhode Island and Davidson.
TUESDAY’S GAME
Dayton at Fordham, NBC Sports Network, FM 95.7, AM 1290 WHIO
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