DAYTON, Ohio – Malachi Smith emerged as a standout performer for Dayton, netting 18 of his 20 points after halftime, leading the Flyers to an 84-70 victory over La Salle in their Atlantic 10 Conference opener held on Tuesday evening.

Smith also made significant contributions by securing five rebounds and providing six assists for the Flyers, who improved their record to 11-3. Supporting his efforts, Amael L’Etang added 12 points alongside five rebounds and five assists, while Javon Bennett also contributed with 12 points, successfully hitting five of his nine shot attempts.

On the opposing side, Corey McKeithan was the top scorer for the Explorers, finishing the game with 19 points, four assists, and two steals. Daeshon Shepherd and Eric Acker each added 18 points to their total, showcasing their offensive capabilities.

Dayton took control of the game early, executing a dominant 19-2 scoring run in the first half, which allowed them to lead with a score of 36-21 by halftime. Jacob Conner played a key role in the first half, contributing seven points during that stretch. The Flyers continued to build on their lead in the second half with a strong 13-2 run, solidifying their advantage and ultimately securing the win.