Dayton Flyers Look to Regroup During Bye Week After Blowout Loss at VCU

The Flyers will have a week off to recover from a 99-73 defeat against Atlantic 10 rival VCU.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The University of Dayton men's basketball team will look to regroup during the bye week after going 1-1 last week. Dayton snapped a four-game losing streak on Tuesday with a 72-70 win over St. Bonaventure, but then suffered a 99-73 blowout loss to VCU on the road on Friday. Coach Anthony Grant cited a lack of competitiveness from his team against VCU.

Why it matters

The Dayton Flyers are an important college basketball program in the Midwest, and this loss to a conference rival raises questions about the team's ability to compete at a high level this season. The bye week will give the team a chance to recover and refocus before their next game.

The details

In the win over St. Bonaventure, Javon Bennett scored 16 of his game-high 20 points in the first half, and Jordan Derkack added 18 points, including the two game-winning free throws in the final seconds. However, the Flyers were then dominated by VCU, losing by 26 points. Coach Anthony Grant said his team lacked competitiveness in the blowout loss.

  • On Tuesday, February 4, 2026, Dayton beat St. Bonaventure 72-70.
  • On Friday, February 6, 2026, Dayton lost to VCU 99-73.
  • Dayton's next game will be on February 15, 2026 when they host Davidson at 4 p.m.

The players

Javon Bennett

A Dayton player who scored 16 of his game-high 20 points in the first half of the win over St. Bonaventure.

Jordan Derkack

A Dayton player who scored 18 points, including the two game-winning free throws in the final seconds of the win over St. Bonaventure.

Anthony Grant

The head coach of the Dayton Flyers men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

This loss to VCU highlights the challenges the Dayton Flyers face this season as they look to rebound from a four-game losing streak. The bye week will give the team a chance to regroup and refocus before their next game against Davidson, as they try to regain their competitiveness and return to winning ways in Atlantic 10 play.