Dayton edges Boise State in First Four, Providence up next

Playing in front of their home crowd, Dayton struggled in the first half and trailed most of the game, but a 10-2 run at the end of regulation propelled them to victory and into the Round of 64. 

Down seven points with less than four minutes left, Dayton stormed back with two layups and three successful free throws to tie the game. Jordan Sibert hit a 3-point jumper with 37 seconds left, ultimately sending Dayton to a 56-55 victory over Boise State.

Sinking seven of 11 from the field, Kendall Pollard led the Flyers in scoring with 17 points, while adding six rebounds. Scoochie Smith posted 11 points and five assists to help the Flyers advance to face Providence in the next round.

Dayton and Boise State showed spectators what March was truly about, trading shots to run neck-and-neck until the end. The Broncos ended a low-scoring first half with a nine-point lead, thanks to a layup by Chandler Hutchison.

Derrick Marks put the Broncos on his back and posted 23 points to help his team stay in the game, while teammate Montigo Alford finished with 11 points, but their efforts weren't enough to get the Broncos a victory.

Dayton's next opponent, sixth-seeded Providence, had a 22-11 record this season.