DAYTON, Ohio – Vee Sanford scored 18 points and Kevin Dillard recorded a double-double as Dayton defeated Arkansas State 74-61 in a nonconference season opener for both teams.
The Flyers had three starters in double figures. Forward Josh Benson scored 14 points on 7-for-9 shooting. Dillard, Sanford's backcourt partner, scored 12 points and had 10 assists, half his team's total.
With Dayton leading 34-27 at halftime, Sanford and Jalen Robinson keyed an early second-half run as the Flyers opened up a 44-29 advantage. Their lead never dipped back into single-digits until the last 2 minutes.
Dayton had a decisive edge in shooting. The Flyers hit 52.8 percent from the floor (28 of 53). Arkansas State, meanwhile, shot just 39.3 percent from the field (22 of 56). The Red Wolves were 6-for-22 on 3-pointers.
Kendrick Washington led Arkansas State with 15 points and nine rebounds. Ed Townsell scored 14 points off the bench.
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