Dayton Advances to NIT Quarterfinals with Dominating Win Over UNCW
WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Dayton Flyers secured their place in the quarterfinals of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) for the first time in 16 years, defeating UNC Wilmington 80-61 on Saturday at Trask Coliseum. This victory follows an 80-66 first-round win at Bradley on Wednesday, marking a strong performance on the road for the Flyers.
Game Recap
Dayton (25-11) showcased a dominant performance, particularly in the second half, to overcome UNC Wilmington (27-7). The Flyers have won 10 of their last 12 games, with their only losses coming against Virginia Commonwealth.
Key Performances
De’Shayne Montgomery led Dayton with 20 points, shooting 8-of-13 from the field. Montgomery also surpassed 1,000 career points in the game.
Turning Point
After UNCW scored the first basket of the second half, narrowing the gap to 37-35, Dayton responded with a 16-2 run, taking a commanding double-digit lead that they maintained for the remainder of the game.
Statistical Highlights
Dayton shot 36% (9 of 25) from the three-point range, while UNC Wilmington struggled at 14% (3 of 21), their second-worst percentage of the season.
Looking Ahead
As a No. 2 seed, Dayton will face the winner of the matchup between No. 1 seed Wake Forest and No. 4 seed Illinois State in the quarterfinals. That game is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Sunday in Winston-Salem, N.C. If Wake Forest loses, Dayton will host the quarterfinal game.
NIT Bracket Overview
The 2026 NIT has featured several power conference teams, including Auburn, Cal, Wake Forest, and Oklahoma State. Several programs declined invitations to the tournament after being excluded from the NCAA Tournament, including Seton Hall, Virginia Tech, Belmont, and San Diego State.
Key Dates
- First Round: March 17-18
- Second Round: March 21-22
- Quarterfinals: March 24-25
- Semifinals: April 2 (Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis)
- Championship: April 5 (Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis)