Dayton triumphs over UConn as Enoch Cheeks shines with 20 points
- Enoch Cheeks propelled Dayton to an 85-67 win over UConn with 20 points.
- UConn struggled throughout the Maui Invitational, losing all three games against unranked teams.
- The victory emphasizes Dayton's strong performance and sets them up favorably for upcoming games.
On November 27, 2024, in Lahaina, Hawaii, the Dayton Flyers faced off against the No. 2 ranked UConn Huskies in the seventh-place game of the Maui Invitational tournament. Enoch Cheeks led the Flyers with an impressive 20-point performance, shooting 8 of 12 from the field and hitting 3 of 5 from beyond the arc. The victory marked a significant achievement for Dayton, bringing their record to 6-2 for the season. The Flyers received strong contributions from teammates, including 18 points from Nate Santos, 16 points from Posh Alexander, and 15 points from Zed Key, who was also the team leader in rebounds with nine. Dayton executed an efficient offensive strategy, making 27 of 30 free throw attempts and shooting over 47% from three-point range. UConn, on the other hand, struggled throughout the tournament, finishing with a disappointing record of 4-3 after losing all three of their games in Maui, including narrow defeats to Memphis and Colorado. During the game against Dayton, Alex Karaban led the Huskies with a total of 21 points, scoring 15 of those points in the first half alone. For UConn, the loss continued a troubling trend, as this marked their third consecutive defeat, all against unranked opponents. The game was closely contested in the first half, with UConn briefly taking the lead at 30-27 with just over four minutes left before the break. However, Dayton countered with a strong finish, closing the half with a 15-4 run, leading 41-34 at halftime. In the second half, UConn managed to close the gap to 52-49, but Dayton responded quickly, regaining a six-point cushion thanks to Alexander’s decisive play. Dayton’s victory not only showcases their resilience and skill but also highlights UConn's challenges early in the season. The Flyers dominated the boards with a 32-17 advantage on the defensive glass, which played a crucial role in their success. Looking ahead, UConn is set to host Maryland Eastern Shore, while Dayton will welcome Western Michigan to their home court for their next game.