In a thrilling March Madness matchup, the Dayton Flyers staged a remarkable comeback to defeat the Nevada Wolf Pack 63-60 in the West Region on Thursday. The game featured a stunning turnaround as Dayton, the seventh seed, erased a 17-point deficit with a 24-4 run in the closing minutes.
DaRon Holmes II, the Atlantic 10 player of the year, led the charge for Dayton with 18 points, including a crucial three-point play that gave his team the lead late in the game. Koby Brea also played a key role, contributing 15 points, including two critical 3-pointers during the Flyers' comeback.
Enoch Cheeks sealed the victory for Dayton with a clutch layup and two free throws in the final seconds. The win marked Dayton's first NCAA Tournament victory in nine years, setting up a second-round matchup against No. 2 seed Arizona.
Despite a strong first-half performance by Nevada, led by Jarrod Lucas, Kenan Blackshear, and Nick Davidson, the Wolf Pack faltered down the stretch, allowing Dayton to mount their comeback. Nevada, which had a 34-25 halftime lead, struggled to contain Dayton's offensive surge in the second half.
Dayton coach Anthony Grant celebrated his first March Madness win with the Flyers after seven seasons at the helm. Grant, who previously found success with VCU in 2007, guided his team to a memorable victory over a tough Nevada squad.
The game showcased the unpredictable nature of March Madness, with Dayton's resilience and determination shining through in the face of adversity. The Flyers' impressive performance sets the stage for an exciting matchup against Arizona in the next round.
For more NCAA Tournament coverage and the latest bracket updates, visit the official AP March Madness hub.
