The NCAA Tournament continues tonight in the play-in game between the Dayton Flyers and the Boise State Broncos. The game is scheduled for a 9:10 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on truTV. Currently the NCAA Tournament Odds for the game have the Flyers favored to advance in the tournament field.
The selection committee did Dayton a favor in this one, giving the Flyers a home game to open up the NCAA Tournament against Boise State. The Broncos have legitimate beef having to play in Dayton's gym to open the tournament, something usually reserved for the NIT and lesser tournaments in the post season.
While the first four games of the tournament are played in Dayton each year, putting the Flyers in this game seemed like a bit of a gift. They still have to go out and win the game, but playing at home as opposed to a neutral floor surely will have the benefits. It will be interesting to see how the game is called from an officiating standpoint, as well.
The Flyers were the talk of the tournament last season, reaching the Elite Eight after knocking off Ohio State, Syracuse and Stanford in their opening three games. Florida finally beat Dayton to reach the Final Four, ending the Flyers' Cinderella run. Last year Dayton was also seeded 11th, just like they are this season.
Boise State is making their seventh tournament appearance all-time, but they've never won a single game in the six previous chances. Most recently the Broncos were in the Big Dance in 2013, but lost to LaSalle by eight points in one of the play-in games.
The Broncos won 25 games this season but went 2-4 against NCAA Tournament teams this season. They average 71 points per game and prior to losing to Wyoming in the Mountain West title game had won seven straight games.
Dayton also won 25 games this year, going 2-3 against teams that made the tournament. Down the stretch the Flyers won five of their last seven games. Playing at home will be huge for the confidence and overall mindset of Dayton in this one.
The Flyers are going to be pushed by Boise in this one, but it should be a great game.
Free Pick: Dayton 70, Boise State 67
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