Dayton controls first half against Georgetown in ESPN Events Invitational

Dayton's Malcolm Thomas dunks in the first half against Georgetown on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, at the State Farm Field House in Kissimmee, Fla. David Jablonski/Staff

Credit: David Jablonski

Credit: David Jablonski

Dayton's Malcolm Thomas dunks in the first half against Georgetown on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, at the State Farm Field House in Kissimmee, Fla. David Jablonski/Staff

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The Dayton Flyers led Georgetown by as many as 15 points in the first half and took a 40-31 lead into halftime Thursday in the first round of the ESPN Events Invitational at the State Farm Field House.

Here’s a quick recap of the half:

Key player: De’Shayne Montgomery led Dayton with 10 points on 3-of-8 shooting.

Key stat: Dayton made 5 of 14 3-pointers, while Georgetown made 3 of 8.

Big run: Dayton outscored Georgetown 10-0 from the 16:50 mark to the 14:56 mark, turning a 3-1 deficit into an 11-3 lead.

Biggest lead: Dayton led 36-21 at the 4:19 mark.

Bench contributions: Malcolm Thomas scored six points for Dayton on 3-of-4 shooting.

Free-throw edge: Dayton made 11 of 13 free throws. Georgetown made 6 of 8.

Looking ahead: Dayton will No. 9 Brigham Young at 9:30 p.m. Friday in the championship game if it beats Georgetown, or it will play the Miami Hurricanes at 7 p.m. if it loses to Georgetown.

BYU beat Miami 72-62 in the earlier game Friday.

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