Dayton Flyers open Atlantic 10 play with rout of La Salle

The Flyers routed La Salle 84-58 on Thursday at Tom Gola Arena, winning in Philadelphia for the first time since January 7, 2012, when they beat Temple. They had lost four straight games at La Salle. They have lost nine straight games to the other Atlantic 10 school from Philadelphia, Saint Joseph’s, and play the Hawks at Hagan Arena on Sunday.

Dayton (12-2) opened Atlantic 10 Conference play with their 11th double-digit victory of the season. This game was never close, and the Flyers pushed the lead to as many as 31 points against the Explorers (9-4).

» DECADE IN REVIEW: Best and worst of UD basketball

Six Flyers scored in double figures. Obi Toppin scored 20 points on 7-of-9 shooting and made 5 of 5 free throws. Jalen Crutcher had 15. Ryan Mikesell had 10. Trey Landers and Ibi Watson each scored 10. Landers led the team with six assists and 10 rebounds.

The victory moved Dayton up one spot in the Ken Pomeroy ratings. It’s now No. 8, which is the highest ranking in program history. The ratings started in 2002.

HALFTIME RECAP

An 18-0 run carried the Flyers to a 46-24 halftime lead.

Dayton has led at halftime in all 14 games, and this was its biggest halftime lead.

»  WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Shauna Green on Szabo: 'I just absolutely love that kid'

Toppin led Dayton with 11 points. Landers scored eight. Rodney Chatman and Mikesell each scored seven.

Dayton led 20-14 when it started its big run on a jump shot by Ryan Mikesell at the 10:32 mark. The run ended with a basket by Trey Landers at the 6:09 mark. Dayton made seven straight field goals during the run.

Dayton shot 68 percent from the field and held La Salle to 32.3 percent shooting.

MORE ON FLYERS

» NORTH FLORIDA GAME: 11 observations | Game photos | North Florida coach praises Toppin's heart

» PREVIEW: Flyers seek their first win in Philly in nine years

» FIRST 12 GAMES: Highlights from Dayton's play in non-conference action