DAYTON, Ohio (Interstat) — In a game defined by offensive firepower and a decisive disparity in efficiency, the Dayton Flyers outlasted the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats 91 to 82 in a non-conference men’s basketball game Saturday night at a raucous University of Dayton Arena.

A crowd of 13,407 watched as the Flyers, now 3-1, used a blistering shooting performance and a significant advantage at the free-throw line to overcome a gritty effort from the Wildcats, who fell to 1-3.

The contest was a tale of two contrasting offensive philosophies. While Bethune-Cookman relied on volume and interior dominance, Dayton’s attack was a model of precision. The Flyers shot a scorching 54 percent from the floor and an even more impressive 58 percent from beyond the arc, connecting on 11 of 19 three-point attempts. They also capitalized on their trips to the charity stripe, making 26 of 32 free throws.

Bethune-Cookman, by contrast, attempted 18 more field goals than Dayton but made six fewer, finishing 33 of 68 from the field. The Wildcats struggled from deep, hitting just 7 of 20 three-pointers, and were hampered at the free-throw line, converting only 9 of 15 attempts. They did, however, dominate points in the paint, outscoring Dayton 48 to 32.

The game remained competitive throughout, with Dayton taking a 45-39 lead into halftime. The Flyers opened the second period with a quick 8-2 spurt to extend their advantage to double digits, but the Wildcats refused to fade, consistently answering Dayton’s runs to keep the pressure on.

The outcome was ultimately sealed by Dayton’s superior offensive execution. The Flyers scored 91 points on just 66 possessions, an elite offensive rating of 137.5. Bethune-Cookman, despite scoring 82 points, required 74 possessions to do so, resulting in a lower offensive rating of 110.6.

Dayton was led by a formidable inside-outside duo. Javon Bennett, a 5-foot-11 guard from Orlando, Florida, poured in a game-high 25 points, dished out five assists and grabbed five rebounds. His backcourt partner, De’Shayne Montgomery of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, added 16 points.

Controlling the paint was 7-foot-1 center Amael L’Etang from Toulouse, France, who recorded a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds, complementing his stat line with three assists and two blocks. Keonte Jones of Madison, Wisconsin, was a force on the glass with eight rebounds to go with his 11 points, while Jordan Derkack of Colonia, New Jersey, facilitated the offense with a game-high six assists.

Bethune-Cookman’s effort was spearheaded by Arterio Morris of Dallas, Texas, who scored 19 points. Jakobi Heady from Chicago, Illinois, was a central figure for the Wildcats, contributing 17 points, six rebounds and three assists. Quentin Heady, also of Chicago, added 12 points and five rebounds, and Seneca Willoughby of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, chipped in 10 points off the bench.

Defensively, Bethune-Cookman was more active, recording seven steals and forcing 12 Dayton turnovers, which they converted into 21 points. The Flyers, however, protected the rim more effectively, registering four blocks to the Wildcats’ two.

The victory moves Dayton’s record above .500 as they look ahead to a challenging road test at Marquette. Bethune-Cookman, meanwhile, will continue its difficult early-season slate on the road at Ohio.