The University of Dayton women’s basketball team will host Delaware State University on Friday, November 8, at 7 p.m. in UD Arena.
SCOUTING THE FLYERS
Dayton recently achieved a season-opening victory at home against Southeast Missouri State, overcoming an early 6-0 deficit and finishing strong with a 10-0 run to secure their first win of the year. The Flyers held a 7-7 record at home last season and are off to a promising start.
Head coach Tamika Williams-Jeter is entering her third season leading her hometown team after spending a year at Wittenberg. Her coaching experience includes assistant roles at Kansas, Kentucky, Penn State, and Ohio State.
Currently, the Flyers are averaging 75 points per game while allowing 70 points to their opponents. They have a shooting percentage of 42.9 overall, with 18.2 percent from three-point range, and 63.0 percent at the free-throw line. Dayton out-rebounded SEMO by 10 but had one additional turnover, totaling 18.
In their opener, five players scored in double figures, led by graduate transfer Nicole Stephens with 15 points, including 3-of-5 from three-point territory. Junior Shantavia Dawkins added 12 points, and senior Arianna Smith recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENT
DELAWARE STATE
Delaware State also stands at 1-0, having secured a commanding 71-44 victory against Division II Georgian Court in their season opener. Last season, the Hornets recorded an 8-20 overall record, including a 3-13 mark on the road.
Jazmone Turner is in her fourth season as head coach of Delaware State and is originally from Dayton, Ohio, having graduated from Trotwood Madison High School in 2008.
The Hornets post an average of 71 points per game while limiting opponents to just 44 points. They are shooting 43.1 percent from the field, 35.7 percent from three-point range, and 47.1 percent from the free-throw line, while enjoying a +24 rebounding advantage against Georgian Court.
Mahogany Cottingham and Kyra Lawrence lead Delaware State with an average of 16 points per game each, while Ericka Huggins contributes 12 points and 11 rebounds per contest.
SERIES HISTORY
This matchup marks the first-ever encounter between the Flyers and Hornets.
FLYERS PICKED 11TH IN PRESEASON POLL
In the 2024-25 Atlantic 10 preseason poll, Dayton was projected to finish 11th with 84 points, ranking above George Washington, Massachusetts, St. Bonaventure, and La Salle. Richmond was selected as the preseason favorite, followed by Saint Joseph’s, George Mason, and Davidson.
LOOKING AHEAD
Dayton’s non-conference schedule includes eight home games, one true road game, and two neutral site games. In addition to hosting teams like Providence and Vanderbilt, the Flyers will travel to Duke on November 14 and compete in the Music City Classic in Nashville, Tennessee.
LEADING THE CONFERENCE
Senior Arianna Smith topped the A-10 in offensive rebounds, rebounds per game, and total rebounds, while ranking second in double-doubles. Nationally, she was eighth in offensive rebounds, 14th in rebounds per game, and 40th in total rebounds.
UP NEXT
Next Thursday, Dayton will head to Durham, North Carolina, for their only true road game of the non-conference season, facing No. 11 Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium at 7 p.m.
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