North Texas Mean Green at Dayton Flyers

No. 13 Dayton pulls away late for 71-58 win over North Texas

Crutcher scored 16 points and hit a comeback-blunting 3-pointer Tuesday night, Ryan Mikesell also had 16 points, and No. 13 Dayton finally shook free at the end for a 71-58 victory over North Texas.

"Part of the growth I want to see us make as a team," coach Anthony Grant said. "They turned the pressure up and we made some poor decisions."

North Texas (4-7) cut the lead to nine with six minutes left, but Crutcher hit an unguarded 3-pointer that blunted the comeback as the Mean Green fell short in their bid for a fourth all-time win over a ranked team.

Crutcher bumped his left knee with a North Texas player early in the second half and sat out for several minutes before returning and steadying Dayton down the stretch. The Flyers allowed North Texas to stay in it by turning the ball over and allowing the Mean Green open shots.

"In the second half, they're a team that's desperate and they made some 3s," Crutcher said.

Javion Hamlet had 19 points, and Zachary Simmons added 18 points and a team-high six rebounds for North Texas. After missing all four of its shots from beyond the arc in the first half, North Texas went 9 of 15 in the second half.

The Flyers' surge stalled, and North Texas kept it within single digits most of the half. Obi Toppin and Mikesell hit 3s during a late first-half run that built the lead to 16 points.

The game took on an edge during an inbounds play in the second half, with players jawing at each other. The referees separated the teams and gave technical fouls to North Texas' James Reese and Dayton's Trey Landers.

BIG PICTURE

North Texas: The Mean Green also played their first two games against ranked teams close, losing by three points to VCU and by nine against Utah State. North Texas' last win over a ranked team came on Feb. 27, 1971, a 79-73 victory at Louisville.

Dayton: The Flyers came in with the best field goal percentage in Division I (54%) and the most assists (20.1) per game. Against North Texas, they shot 50% from the field and had 20 assists on 24 baskets.

KEEPING FOCUSED

The Flyers' last three home games have been against Houston Baptist, Drake and North Texas. Grant has been on the Flyers in practice to stay focused even though they're facing a team they're expected to beat.

"Everybody's happy we're ranked No. 13," Crutcher said. "We've just got to keep it going. We can't let it get to our heads."

MISSING FLYER

Dayton reserve forward Chase Johnson missed a second straight game because of illness.

FAMILIAR FACES

CONTAINED

Gibson has been the Mean Green's top player the last six games, averaging 20.2 points per game. Dayton held him to six points on 2-of-9 shooting.

UP NEXT

North Texas hosts UAPB on Saturday.

Dayton plays Colorado on Saturday at the United Center as part of the Chicago Legends event.

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How can I watch North Texas vs. Dayton?

• TV Channel: North Texas at Dayton 2021 College Basketball, week 7, is broadcasted on ESPN+.
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