Preview: Fordham Visits Dayton in Atlantic 10 New Year’s Eve Showdown

DAYTON, Ohio (Interstat) — A pair of teams riding strong non-conference records will clash to close 2025 when the Dayton Flyers host the Fordham Rams in an Atlantic 10 men’s basketball matchup Wednesday at University of Dayton Arena.

Both teams enter with nine wins, though Dayton (9-3) has played one fewer game than Fordham (9-4). The game marks the conference opener for each squad, setting an early tone for their league campaigns.

The Flyers seek to rebound from a 64-61 home loss to Liberty on Dec. 20 that snapped a two-game win streak. Dayton’s offense has been potent, averaging 79.2 points per game, highlighted by a 97-point outburst against Florida State on Dec. 16. A key catalyst is junior guard Amael L’Etang, who leads the team in scoring at 15.2 points per game. L’Etang scored 19 in the loss to Liberty and has reached double figures in eight of Dayton’s 12 contests.

Fordham arrives on a three-game winning streak, most recently a 65-47 victory over New Haven on Dec. 22. The Rams have relied on defense, holding opponents to 62.2 points per game. Their offensive focal point is forward Rikus Schulte, who is averaging a double-double with 14.5 points and 10.2 rebounds. Schulte posted 10 points and 13 rebounds against New Haven and had a 21-point, 10-rebound performance against Manhattan on Dec. 13.

Dayton holds a significant historical advantage, winning 39 of the last 40 meetings. Fordham’s lone win in that span came at home in 2022. The Rams have not won in Dayton since 1990.

The Flyers’ schedule strength appears higher, with wins over Marquette and Georgetown and competitive losses to Virginia and Liberty. Fordham’s best win is likely against Manhattan, with setbacks coming against Holy Cross, Colgate and Iona.

Following this game, Dayton opens a two-game road trip at Loyola Chicago on Jan. 3. Fordham returns home to host Richmond on Jan. 4.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST Wednesday. The game will be a test of Dayton’s high-powered offense against Fordham’s stifling defense, with both teams aiming to start A-10 play on a positive note.