Amael L’Etang’s career-high 26 points ignited Dayton’s 77-62 victory over No. 23 Saint Louis, halting the Billikens’ historic 18-game winning streak and extending the Flyers’ home dominance to 12 straight wins over their rival.
The Dayton Flyers delivered a statement performance on Tuesday night, dismantling No. 23 Saint Louis 77-62 behind Amael L’Etang’s career-high 26 points. This victory wasn’t just another win—it was a seismic shift in the Atlantic 10 landscape, halting the Billikens’ 18-game winning streak and preventing them from reaching 26-2 for the first time in program history.
The Night That Changed the A-10
Saint Louis entered the game riding a historic wave. Ranked fifth nationally in scoring offense (90.1 PPG), the Billikens had lost just twice all season and were poised to make a deep NCAA Tournament run. But Dayton’s defense, fueled by a raucous home crowd, exposed vulnerabilities no one saw coming.
- Dismal Start: Saint Louis began 1-for-12 from the field, scoreless for nearly five minutes.
- Dayton’s Blitz: The Flyers capitalized with a 10-0 run, extending their lead to 30-11 behind back-to-back 3s from Derkack and L’Etang.
- Halftime Dominance: Dayton led 44-28, shooting 64% from the field while holding Saint Louis to just 1-for-12 from 3-point range.
L’Etang’s Breakout Performance
L’Etang’s 26 points weren’t just a career milestone—they were a masterclass in efficiency. The junior forward attacked Saint Louis’ defense with precision, hitting clutch shots and anchoring Dayton’s transition game. His 16 first-half points set the tone, while Javon Bennett’s 17 points ensured the Billikens never regained momentum.
Key supporting contributions:
- Jordan Derkack: 14 points, including crucial back-to-back 3s in the first half.
- Keonte Jones: Highlight-reel dunks that energized UD Arena.
- Defensive Lockdown: Held Saint Louis to 36.4% shooting—a far cry from their 90.1 PPG average.
Historic Context: Dayton’s Home Dominance
This win extended Dayton’s staggering 12-game home winning streak over Saint Louis—a streak dating back to 2018. The Flyers’ 14-2 home record this season solidifies UD Arena as one of college basketball’s toughest venues. For comparison:
- Dayton is now 19-9 overall (10-5 A-10), with a legitimate shot at an at-large NCAA bid.
- Saint Louis (25-3, 13-2) must regroup after their worst offensive performance of the season.
What This Means for March
For Dayton, this win is a resume-builder that could propel them into the NCAA Tournament conversation. For Saint Louis, it’s a wake-up call before the A-10 Tournament. The Billikens’ lack of depth was exposed—only Kellen Thomas (24 points) and Dion Brown (15) reached double figures, while star guard Trey Green was held to just two points after scoring 23 in their January blowout win over Dayton.
The Flyers’ next test comes Friday at George Washington, while Saint Louis hosts Duquesne on Saturday. Both teams now enter March with a renewed sense of urgency.
For the fastest, most authoritative analysis on college basketball and beyond, stay locked in with onlytrustedinfo.com. We don’t just report the scores—we break down why they matter, so you’re always ahead of the game.
