Breakdown of UD’s run through the NIT

The Dayton Flyers’ season was a wreck less than three weeks ago. UD blew a big lead against Xavier in the Atlantic 10 semifinals and missed out on an NCAA tournament bid. But instead of pouting, the Flyers got tough.

The results was the school’s third National Invitation Tournament title. A look at the Flyers’ impressive tourney run, which included a 4-0 record against teams from the so-called power conferences:

UD 63, Illinois State 42 March 17, UD Arena

The Flyers played some mean defense to rout the Redbirds. Chris Johnson scored 13 points and Chris Wright added 11 rebounds in front of just 5,127 fans, an all-time Arena low.

UD 81, Cincinnati 66 March 22, Fifth Third Arena

The Flyers broke out their black uniforms in Cincinnati and took it to the Bearcats. Four UD players scored in double figures and Dayton stunned the Bearcats with 10 3-pointers.

UD 77, Illinois 71 March 24, Assembly Hall

The Flyers showed that they were serious NIT contenders by taking it to top-seeded Illinois in Champaign. UD shot 48 percent from the field and Chris Johnson scored 18 points.

UD 68, Ole Miss 63 March 30, Madison Square Garden

Chris Johnson, who two nights later would be named NIT Most Valuable Player, saved the cold-shooting Flyers with a clutch 22-point, 9-rebound effort in the semifinals in New York City.

UD 79, North Carolina 68 April 1, Madison Square Garden

Marcus Johnson, one of seven UD seniors, went out in style with 20 points. The Flyers, as they did in all five tourney wins, built a big lead and controlled the final minutes in their 22nd NIT appearance.

— Brian Kollars, Staff Writer