DAYTON, Ohio (Interstat) — Amael L’Etang recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds Saturday to lead Dayton to a 78-66 men’s basketball victory over Duquesne at University of Dayton Arena. The Flyers (18-8, 8-5 Atlantic 10) used a 42-point first half to build a lead and maintained control after halftime before a crowd of 13,407. The Dukes (16-11, 6-8) were led by Tarence Guinyard’s 16 points but could not close the gap. Dayton capitalized on Duquesne’s 13 turnovers and shot 24 for 32 from the free-throw line to secure the season sweep. The Flyers have won three straight conference games.

DAYTON, Ohio (Interstat) — In a game defined by defensive pressure and opportunistic scoring, the Dayton Flyers used a dominant first-half run and a commanding performance from center Amael L’Etang to secure a 78-66 victory over the Duquesne Dukes in Atlantic 10 Conference men’s basketball on Saturday. A sellout crowd of 13,407 at University of Dayton Arena watched the Flyers improve to 18-8 overall, while the Dukes fell to 16-11. The win completed a regular-season sweep for Dayton, which also won at Duquesne on Jan. 13. The most critical sequence of the game unfolded late in the first half, transforming a tight contest into a lead Dayton would not relinquish. With Duquesne leading 30-28 after a Tarence Guinyard three-pointer with just over five minutes remaining, the Flyers seized control with a 14-2 surge to close the period. The run was fueled by stifling defense that forced three Duquesne turnovers and held the Dukes to just one field goal attempt in the final four minutes. The spurt began with a three-pointer from the Flyers’ 7-foot-1 French center, Amael L’Etang, assisted by Bryce Heard, to put Dayton ahead for good at 31-30. After a Duquesne turnover, Javon Bennett capitalized with a three-pointer. Another Dukes miscue led to a Bennett steal and fast-break layup, pushing the lead to six. Following a pair of free throws from Duquesne’s Jake DiMichele, L’Etang struck again from beyond the arc just before the halftime buzzer, sending the Flyers into the locker room with a 42-39 advantage. That closing burst proved insurmountable. Dayton’s defense, which registered six blocks and five steals, consistently disrupted Duquesne’s offensive flow. The Dukes committed 13 turnovers, which the Flyers converted into 15 points, while Dayton gave the ball away only seven times. The Flyers also capitalized at the free-throw line, making 24 of 32 attempts compared to Duquesne’s 18 of 24. L’Etang was the catalyst, recording a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds to go with five assists and two blocks in 30 minutes. His inside-outside versatility was on full display, including his two crucial first-half three-pointers. Keonte Jones added 13 points and seven rebounds, while Bennett scored 14 points. Jaiun Simon contributed seven points, three rebounds and two blocks off the bench. Duquesne was led by Guinyard’s 16 points and four assists. David Dixon posted 11 points and seven rebounds, and Jimmie Williams added 10 points and six rebounds. The Dukes struggled to generate assists, finishing with only three as a team, and their offensive rating of 102.5 paled in comparison to Dayton’s efficient 123.4. Dayton expanded its lead early in the second half, using a 9-2 run to build a 51-41 advantage. A De’Shayne Montgomery three-pointer capped that stretch, and the Flyers maintained a comfortable margin for the remainder of the game. Duquesne never got closer than seven points, as Dayton answered every push, often at the free-throw line where they scored nearly a third of their total points. The victory keeps Dayton in the upper tier of the Atlantic 10 standings as the regular season enters its final weeks. The Flyers host Saint Louis on Tuesday. Duquesne, which had won three of its last four coming in, looks to rebound when it hosts Davidson on Wednesday. According to National Statistical’s ELO system, Dayton had an 80.8% probability to win. The Flyers covered the pregame spread of -6. The total points scored, 144, fell under the over/under line of 148.5.

Preview: Duquesne at Dayton in Key Atlantic 10 Clash DAYTON, Ohio (Interstat) — A pivotal Atlantic 10 Conference men’s basketball matchup is set for Saturday when the Dayton Flyers host the Duquesne Dukes at University of Dayton Arena. Dayton (17-8, 8-5 A-10) enters on a two-game winning streak after an 82-67 road victory at George Mason on Wednesday. The Flyers are led by guard Amael L’Etang, who scored 21 points in that win and has averaged 16.3 points over his last three contests. Dayton’s offense will look to maintain its momentum against a Duquesne defense that has tightened during its current run. The visiting Dukes (16-10, 9-4) have won five of their last six games, including a narrow 62-61 home win over La Salle on Wednesday. Duquesne’s recent surge has been fueled by strong defensive efforts and the consistent play of forward David Dixon. Over his last seven games, Dixon has averaged 12.7 points and 2.1 blocks, providing a critical interior presence. In Wednesday’s win, he posted 13 points and two blocks in 22 minutes. This game is a rematch of a Jan. 13 meeting in Pittsburgh, which Dayton won 71-65. In that game, the Flyers contained Duquesne’s offense late to secure the road victory. The matchup carries significant weight in the conference standings. Duquesne, currently in the upper tier, aims to solidify its position and avenge the earlier loss. Dayton seeks to protect its home court and build a stronger resume for the postseason. The Flyers are 11-2 at home this season, while the Dukes are 4-6 in true road games. Key for Duquesne will be finding scoring beyond Dixon, as guards Brandon Hall and Alex Williams combined for 24 points in the midweek victory. Dayton will counter with a balanced attack; alongside L’Etang, guards Javon Bennett and De’Shayne Montgomery are coming off strong performances against George Mason. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST Saturday. Dayton’s next game is at home against Saint Louis on Tuesday. Duquesne travels to face Davidson next Wednesday.