University of Dayton loses to Vanderbilt in 2nd round of NIT

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Dayton Flyers fell to Vanderbilt Sunday afternoon in the second round of the National Invitation Tournament at Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville.

It was a close game with the Flyers losing 70-68 after going into overtime. Liam Robbins’ putback gave Vanderbilt with 33 seconds left in overtime gave them the lead for good. Scottie Pippen, Jr. forced a Kobe Elvis turnover at the other end and former Flyer Rodney Chatman was fouled with 12 seconds left. He missed two free throws giving UD one last chance. Elvis’ layup to tie the game was blocked by Robbins.

The defeat cost Dayton the chance to take on rival Xavier later this week at their home arena.

>> Wright State falls to Arizona in NCAA Tournament; Finishes season as Horizon League Champs

Dayton was the No. 1 seed in the NIT but had to play on the road for the first two rounds because of the First Four and boys state basketball being held at UD Arena.

Kobe Elvis led the Flyers with 20 points, matching his career-high. He started at point guard as Malachi Smith has been out for the past two games with an ankle injury. DaRon Holmes II added 17 points while Toumani Camara had 11 points.

Vandy’s Scottie Pippen, Jr. led all scorers with 32 points as the Commodores will travel to Cincinnati and play Xavier in the quarterfinals of the NIT. The winner of the game will advance to the semifinals at Madison Square Garden in New York.

The Flyers end the 2021-22 season with a 24-11 record.

©2022 Cox Media Group