But the Flyers also looked like a team only a few weeks into the season. They shot 46.4 percent (33 of 71) from the field and committed 19 turnovers.
“We’ve been doing a lot of work on offense particularly (in practice) and trying to do some different things, so I think we’re ahead of the game there,” Miller said. “We’re not anywhere near where we’ll have to be defensively as a team, and I think rebounding the ball is one of the biggest concerns that we have.”
Thirteen players were on the court for Dayton, and Miller said he liked what he saw from some younger players, including Xeyrius Williams, Sam Miller, Ryan Mikesell. Miller, a sophomore forward, scored 11 points while Mikesell added nine points and three rebounds.
Miller said he hopes some of the younger players can add balance to the team’s scoring.
“Those guys are going to play a big role in how good we can be this year,” Miller said. “If they’re good and they can really produce and do what we’re asking them to do, then I think we have a chance to have eight, nine or ten guys playing on a different night that can play well.”
Charles Cooke led Dayton with 14 points, while Josh Cunningham added 12 points and eight rebounds. Saturday was the first day on the floor at UD Arena for Cunningham, who sat out last season after transferring from Bradley.
Returning forward Kendall Pollard watched Saturday’s scrimmage in a Chicago Cubs jersey and did not play. Miller said Pollard has practiced some this preseason and has progressed but didn’t feel well enough to play. Pollard has been battling nagging wrist and ankle injuries since late last season.
The women’s team played first Saturday, and its Red squad beat the Blue team 35-29. Lauren Cannatelli led all scorers with nine points while Jenna Burdette scored eight points and had five assists.
“We’ve still got a long ways to go, just tightening some stuff up,” first-year head coach Shauna Green said. “Offensively, we looked sharp at times. Defensively, we need to be a lot sharper and communicate better.”
Saturday marked the return of Kelly Austria. Austria missed most of last season with her second ACL tear in two years.
“I’m still getting used to it, playing in front of the crowd and things, but it felt good to be back out there,” Austria said.
The men’s team plays again against Findlay at UD Arena on Nov. 4 in an exhibition game. The women’s team plays an exhibition game on its home court on Nov. 6 against Grand Valley State.
About the Author