Dayton at George Mason: What you need to know about Wednesday’s game

Flyers have seven straight wins against Patriots
George Mason’s Otis Livingston II drives to the basket against Dayton on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017, at UD Arena. David Jablonski/Staff

George Mason’s Otis Livingston II drives to the basket against Dayton on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017, at UD Arena. David Jablonski/Staff

Who: Dayton (11-13, 5-7) at George Mason (11-14, 5-7)

When: 7 p.m., Wednesday

Where: EagleBank Arena, Fairfax, Va.

TV/Radio: Spectrum Sports; AM 1290, News 95.7 WHIO

» RELATED: Crutcher playing like a veteran

Probable Dayton starters

Josh Cunningham, 6-7, R-Jr., F, 16.7

Darrell Davis, 6-5, Sr., G, 16.3

Trey Landers, 6-5, So., G, 10.0

Jalen Crutcher, 6-1, Fr., G, 9.0

Jordan Davis, 6-2, Fr., G, 8.6

» NOTES: Odds were against Dayton comeback

Probable George Mason starters

Otis Livingston II, 5-11, Jr., G, 16.9

Jaire Grayer, 6-5, Jr., G, 13.5

Justin Kier, 6-4, So., G, 10.9

Goanar Mar, 6-7, Fr., F, 10.1

Greg Calixte, 6-8, Fr., F, 4.8

» RELATED: 15 photos from Dayton vs. VCU

Series history: Dayton leads 7-1. The Flyers have seven straight wins against George Mason, including an 83-70 victory last season at UD Arena and a 98-64 victory in 2016 at George Mason.

Coaches: Anthony Grant is 11-13 as Dayton head coach. His career record in 10 seasons is 204-123. George Mason's Dave Paulsen is 42-49 in his third season.

» WHIO PODCASTS: Flyer Feedback | Game replays | Anthony Grant Show

Last games: On Saturday, Dayton lost 88-84 in overtime at Virginia Commonwealth , and George Mason beat George Washington 72-65 at the Patriot Center.

About Dayton: KenPom.com gives Dayton a 61 percent chance of winning and predicts a 75-72 score. … Dayton ranks third in the country in 2-point field-goal per centage (59.5), 94th in free-throw percentage (73.6) and 170th in 3-point percentage (35.0). If Dayton's free-throw percentage holds up, it would be the program's best mark since it shot 73.6 in 2000-01. … A loss would drop Dayton three games under .500 for the first time this season. … Dayton is 1-7 in true road games. Its only win came at Richmond on Jan. 9. … Dayton ranks 132nd in the Pomeroy ratings. George Mason is 237th. Dayton is 115th in the RPI, and George Mason is 212th.

» GAME STORY: Tillman the star for VCU

About George Mason: The Patriots are 3-3 at home in A-10 play with victories against St. Joseph's, Saint Louis and George Washington and losses to Davidson, Virginia Commonwealth and St. Bonaventure. They started 3-2 in conference play and then lost four in a row. … Livingston had 14 points and tied a career high with nine assists against George Washington. … George Mason ranks 338th out of 351 teams in the country in experience and 342nd in bench minutes. Dayton ranks 307th and 311th, respectively, in those categories.

Next game: Dayton plays Fordham (9-15, 4-8) at 7 p.m. Saturday at UD Arena.

About the Author