When the Dayton Flyers name popped up in the bracket to play in first four, there were two types of facial expressions from the Flyer players and coaching staff, who had just lost in the A-10 Championship Game to VCU.
The players? Pissed.
The coaches? Excited.
And that's how to explain how the Flyers faithful feel as well. Lets first examine the Flyers resume;
On one hand, the Flyers (25-8) was:
(1) One win away from a Atlantic-10 Conference and tournament championship;
(2) Played well in the early season tourneys, and even lost to strong opponents.
(3) Had a strong RPI - Top 50
(4)Finished in Elite 8 last season with most players coming back
(5) Record never wavered despite losing 2 biggest post players to disciplinary action
Looking at this resume, u think a 6 seed maybe, or a 8 or 9 at worst right?
A 11 seed.
That damn committee.
But why? How were they not convinced after this season?
But here's the catch Dayton fans.
You play at home. The first time in NCAA history. In front of 13,000 fans, mostly in blue and red for the joyous occasion.
And they're quite knowledgeable, so I'm sure UD Arena will be a rowdy spectacle.
Not even the #1 seeds have played on their home court for a game in the men's tourney.
And if you win that vs a very respectable Boise St team, you head 50 miles up the road - to Columbus- to play a team (Providence) who hasn't won any games in the tourney for a while.
Now while most fans for UD are salty, feeling like they got screwed, it will serve as more ammo for a team who has been counted out from the jump, called a Cinderella team last year.
Former Flyer Big Man Nate Green feels like the home game could be a "Blessing in disguise."
How about the arrival of the newest big time "Mid Major" in the country? And another Elite 8 Appearance?
Only March Madness knows.
That damn Committee.
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