Dayton Flyers: A Retrospective on NCAA Tournament Performances

The Dayton Flyers have a rich history in the NCAA Tournament, marked by both exhilarating victories and heartbreaking defeats. This article delves into the Flyers' recent appearances and overall performance in the tournament, providing a comprehensive look at their journey in March Madness. Watch all the 2026 NCAA Tournament action on Sling!

Recent Tournament History (Since 2014)

Since 2014, the Dayton Flyers have made 5 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, showcasing their competitiveness on the national stage. Their most recent appearance was in 2024. In these appearances, the Flyers have played a total of 11 games, with a record of 6 wins and 5 losses. Their highest seed during this period was a 7, while their lowest was an 11. The deepest round the Flyers reached was the Elite Eight, highlighting their potential to make a significant run in the tournament.

2024 Tournament

Seed: 7
Overall Record: 1-1
How Far They Went: Second Round
Who They Beat: No. 10 Nevada
Who They Lost To: No. 2 Arizona, 78-68

In 2024, as a No. 7 seed, the Flyers advanced to the Second Round after defeating No. 10 Nevada. However, their tournament run was cut short by a loss to No. 2 Arizona with a score of 78-68.

2017 Tournament

Seed: 7
Overall Record: 0-1
How Far They Went: First Round
Who They Lost To: No. 10 Wichita State, 64-58

In 2017, the Flyers, again a No. 7 seed, faced an early exit in the First Round, losing to No. 10 Wichita State with a score of 64-58.

2016 Tournament

Seed: 7
Overall Record: 0-1
How Far They Went: First Round
Who They Lost To: No. 10 Syracuse, 70-51

The 2016 tournament mirrored the 2017 experience, with the Flyers, as a No. 7 seed, being eliminated in the First Round by No. 10 Syracuse with a score of 70-51.

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2015 Tournament

Seed: 11
Overall Record: 2-1
How Far They Went: Second Round
Who They Beat: No. 11 Boise State, No. 6 Providence
Who They Lost To: No. 3 Oklahoma, 72-66

As an 11th seed in 2015, the Flyers made a notable run to the Second Round. They secured victories against No. 11 Boise State and No. 6 Providence before falling to No. 3 Oklahoma with a score of 72-66.

2014 Tournament: Elite Eight Run

Seed: 11
Overall Record: 3-1
How Far They Went: Elite Eight
Who They Beat: No. 6 Ohio State, No. 3 Syracuse, No. 10 Stanford
Who They Lost To: No. 1 Florida

The 2014 tournament was a memorable one for the Dayton Flyers. As an 11th seed, they defied expectations and advanced to the Elite Eight. Their impressive run included victories over No. 6 Ohio State, No. 3 Syracuse, and No. 10 Stanford. However, their journey came to an end with a loss to No. 1 Florida.

UD Arena: A Historic Venue for March Madness

UD Arena holds a special place in the history of the NCAA Tournament. Its significance is deeply rooted in the many memorable moments and unique occurrences that have unfolded within its walls.

A Stage for Legends

UD Arena has witnessed legendary performances and served as a pivotal location for coaching milestones. It is where Notre Dame’s Austin Carr scored 35 points against Ohio in the first half. It is where Adolph Rupp coached his last game for Kentucky in 1972 - a loss to Florida State.

Upset Central

The arena has also been the site of significant upsets. It is where top-ranked DePaul was beaten at the buzzer by St. It is where Villanova started its dream run to the 1985 national championship, having to beat Dayton in the first round on its home floor.

Home of the First Four

UD Arena is synonymous with the First Four, having hosted the event consistently. The city works so hard to keep it, partly because the house is always nearly full. This tradition has solidified UD Arena's reputation as a key venue for the NCAA Tournament's opening rounds.

A Place of Firsts

The arena holds the distinction of being the only place in America that has ever seen a No. 16 seed win an NCAA Tournament game, since it happens twice every year against another No. One of those games was 2012, when Western Kentucky rallied from 16 points down in the final five minutes to beat Mississippi Valley State 59-58.

Memorable Matchups

UD Arena has been the backdrop for numerous memorable matchups. This is where Georgetown beat Northern Iowa 54-49 in a first-round game in 2006. The coaches were John Thompson III and Greg McDermott, and they shared something besides a court that day.

Controversy

The selection committee made a highly questionable decision in 2015, giving Dayton a home game in the First Four.

The Beginning

The NCAA Tournament starts at UD Arena. LIU Brooklyn vs. Radford and UCLA against St.

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Neutral Territory

“We’re not going to have people booing us all night,” Bonnies coach Mark Schmidt said. “We’re not going to have a student body that’s yelling at me. So is the NCAA Tournament.

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