Dayton Rides 'Top Flight' Past Xavier

The Dayton Flyers finally rid themselves of a nagging six-game losing streak against Xavier, beating the 14th-ranked Musketeers on Wednesday night, 71-58. Chris Wright led the Flyers with 19 points and also scored the last nine points for Dayton down the stretch.

In what is generally perceived as the Atlantic 10's staple showdown, Xavier was beginning to totally dominate the rivalry in nearly every way possible.

That all changes now, and the A-10 just got a lot more interesting.

Both teams were coming off rather embarrassing road losses due to lackluster defensive efforts, but something about a famous rivalry tends to bring the intensity back on that side of the ball.

Unfortunately for the Flyers, promising guard Rob Lowery went down with a knee injury in the first half and did not return to action. Lowery might not be a household name yet, but he has been an integral part of Dayton's success this season. Lowery is highly regarded as the centerpiece to Dayton's pressure defense and, with conference tournament play approaching, the Flyers can't afford to have Lowery sidelined.

Xavier turned the ball over early and often in the game, which allowed the Flyers to establish an early lead and play a composed and balanced brand of basketball throughout the second half.

In theory, this win does wonders for Dayton's chance at an NCAA tournament bid, but Flyers fans know it will likely take a solid conference tournament run for their team to get in.

These two teams will take their rivalry to Xavier's home court in Cincinnati on March 5, where Xavier has beat Dayton the last 23 games since 1981.