Full Breakdown
Dayton Upsets Saint Louis in Thrilling A-10 Semifinal
3/15/2026, 10:49:24 AM
Dramatic Finish in Pittsburgh
On March 14, 2026, the Dayton Flyers, seeded fourth in the Atlantic 10 tournament, achieved a stunning 70-69 victory over the top-seeded Saint Louis Billikens in a semifinal match held in Pittsburgh. The game concluded with a flurry of action in the final 14 seconds, showcasing the unpredictability of March basketball. With Dayton trailing by one point, Jacob Conner hit a crucial three-pointer with 14 seconds left, giving the Flyers a 68-66 lead. However, Saint Louis quickly responded with a three-pointer from Robbie Avila, reclaiming a one-point advantage with just 6.6 seconds remaining.
In a last-ditch effort, Dayton's Jordan Derkack drove toward the basket but missed his layup attempt. The ball, however, was tipped in by Amael L’Etang, securing the victory for Dayton with only 0.3 seconds on the clock. This dramatic finish not only propelled Dayton into the conference title game against VCU but also left Saint Louis needing to rely on an at-large bid for the NCAA Tournament.
Key Moments and Statistics
The game featured five lead changes in the final three minutes, highlighting the intense competition between the two teams. Dayton's victory marked their second win over Saint Louis this season, following a 15-point victory at home on February 24. This recent success has been pivotal for Dayton, who have won eight of their last nine games after a challenging start to the season, positioning them as a potential candidate for the NCAA Tournament.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the game, Saint Louis head coach Josh Schertz expressed frustration over a potential technical foul situation when a Dayton player entered the court during the final moments. “Obviously, we couldn’t do that because they had a sixth player plus an assistant on the floor,” Schertz noted, indicating that the incident may have impacted the game’s outcome.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the officiating have pointed to the chaotic final moments as a reflection of inconsistent game management. The presence of an extra player on the court during a critical moment raised questions about the integrity of the officiating, with some arguing that it should have resulted in a technical foul against Dayton.
What's Next for Dayton
With this victory, Dayton advances to the Atlantic 10 championship game, where they will face VCU. A win in this game could secure them a spot in the NCAA Tournament, eliminating the need for an at-large bid. The Flyers' recent performance has revitalized their season, transforming them from a struggling team into a formidable contender as March Madness approaches.
