ST. PAUL, Minn. — Hope Adebayo showcased an impressive performance by rushing for 123 yards and scoring two touchdowns, leading St. Thomas-Minnesota to a decisive 32-9 victory over Dayton in their season finale on Saturday.

Dayton initially took the lead with a 24-yard field goal made by Danny Baker. However, the Tommies (6-6 overall, 5-3 in the Pioneer Football League) swiftly countered with 25 consecutive points, establishing a 22-point advantage by halftime.

Adebayo put St. Thomas ahead with an 11-yard touchdown run. Early in the second quarter, Tak Tateoka connected with Colin Chase for a 42-yard touchdown pass, giving the Tommies a 14-3 lead. Later in the second quarter, Ryan Calcagno returned a fumble 34 yards for a touchdown, and senior defensive back Grif Wurtz successfully completed a two-point conversion. Ben Holland capped the first half with a 31-yard field goal, leaving the score at 25-3 at halftime.

In the fourth quarter, Adebayo scored once again, pushing the Tommies’ lead to 32-3 just on the first play of the quarter.

Drew VanVleet finally got the Flyers (6-5 overall, 4-4 in conference play) onto the scoreboard in the closing moments of the game with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Jake Coleman.

Tateoka had a solid outing, completing 12 of 21 passes for 136 yards, while also throwing one interception. Adebayo achieved his rushing yards on 22 carries, and Chase had a productive day with seven receptions for 101 yards.

On the other hand, VanVleet struggled with his passing game, completing 23 of 43 attempts for 198 yards, but also threw three interceptions. Coleman stood out as the top receiver for Dayton, finishing with 10 catches for 107 yards.