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A Stunning Turnaround in the NCAA Tournament
SALT LAKE CITY — With just under eight minutes remaining in the game, the 10th-seeded Nevada found themselves with a commanding 17-point lead over the seventh-seeded Dayton, seemingly on their way to a sure victory.
At that moment, ESPN Analytics calculated that the Wolf Pack had a 99.1% probability of advancing to the second round of the men’s NCAA tournament. As time ticked down and with 7:14 left on the clock, the odds increased to 99.5%, only for Dayton to mount an incredible comeback.
The Remarkable Comeback
The Flyers orchestrated a remarkable 24-4 run, marking the greatest turnaround in an NCAA tournament game since 2018, ultimately claiming a 63-60 victory at the Delta Center. Dayton’s reward is a second-round matchup against the second-seeded Arizona Wildcats on Saturday.
“I thought down the stretch we got in a rhythm where the guys understood how we wanted to attack them and how we needed to make plays for each other,” expressed Dayton coach Anthony Grant. “You saw guys doing a good job attacking the rim, extra pass for 3s, ball being fed to Deuce (DaRon Holmes II) inside, him making plays himself or making plays for his teammates, which is really how we’ve played.”
Nevada senior guard Kenan Blackshear described the final minutes as a “meltdown,” highlighting the team’s struggle to maintain control. Wolf Pack coach Steve Alford acknowledged the series of errors that contributed to their defeat, emphasizing the importance of both offensive and defensive competence on such a significant stage.
The Composure of Dayton
Despite facing a substantial deficit, coach Grant maintained his composure, a demeanor that resonated with his players. Dayton guard Koby Brea remarked on the team’s comfort in high-pressure situations, crediting their belief in each other for their success.
“We felt really good. We felt good where we were. We felt like we could continue to make the plays we needed to make,” added Grant. “The guys made the plays offensively, and we were able to be disruptive defensively. Made all the difference in the world for us.”
Dayton’s 17 consecutive points during the comeback were executed flawlessly, with impeccable shooting accuracy and strong offensive cohesion. While the Flyers excelled, Nevada struggled to convert their attempts, ultimately succumbing to Dayton’s relentless pressure.
“We have a team that can get hot at any moment, even by metrics, if you just look at it,” reflected Holmes. “We did a very good job with that. We got hot when we got hot. We stuck together. That’s what happens.”
Dayton’s remarkable turnaround serves as a testament to their resilience, teamwork, and unwavering belief in their ability to overcome adversity, securing a memorable victory in the NCAA tournament.
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