The stats do paint a picture, of course. Here are three numbers that tell the story behind Dayton’s 3-3 start:
1. Turnover percentage (defense): Dayton ranks 323rd out of 351 teams in this category, which is calculated by dividing turnovers by possessions. The Flyers have forced 60 turnovers, or 10.0 per game. That's the lowest number in the Atlantic 10.
The Flyers did a good job limiting their own turnovers in the first five games but committed a season-high 19 on Wednesday in a 73-60 loss to Auburn. In their last three games, they have committed more turnovers than their opponents.
2. Improved shooting: Darrell Davis shot 25 percent from 2-point range last season (10 of 40) as a junior and dedicated himself in the offseason to finishing shots at the rim. He has made a big leap in that department. He has made 18 of 42 shots inside the arc (42.9 percent). That's a big reason he's averaging a career-high 19.7 points per game.
3. Freshman minutes: Point guard Jalen Crutcher is averaging 26.7 minutes per game in his first season, or 66.7 percent of the total minutes. That's the highest total since Dyshawn Pierre, who averaged 27.3 minutes per game as a freshman in 2012-13.
If Crutcher’s playing time continues to increase, he might have a chance to rank in the top six in UD history in minutes played by a freshman. Tony Stanley ranks sixth (27.6 minutes per game in 1997-98).
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WEDNESDAY’S GAME
Tennessee Tech at Dayton, 7 p.m., Spectrum Sports, AM 1290, News 95.7 WHIO
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