DAYTON, Ohio _ The No. 13 Dayton Flyers, playing their first game with their highest Associated Press ranking since 1967, survived a strong outside shooting performance by North Texas, improving to 9-1 with a 71-58 victory Tuesday at UD Arena.
North Texas (4-7) missed all four of its 3-point attempts in the first half and then made 9 of 15 in the second half. Still, it got no closer than nine points after halftime and trailed by double digits for most of the game.
Dayton has now won eight games by 10 points or more since a season-opening 86-81 victory against Indiana State.
Jalen Crutcher and Ryan Mikesell led the Flyers with 16 points apiece. Obi Toppin scored a season-low 11 and led the Flyers with seven rebounds. Toppin and Trey Landers each had six assists. Dayton made 8 of 21 3-pointers (38.1 percent) and 16 of 27 shots from 2-point range. All nine Dayton players who saw action scored at least two points.
Dayton held North Texas to 32% shooting and forced 10 turnovers, building a 34-19 halftime lead.
Dayton took a 2-0 lead on a floater by Crutcher on its first possession and led the entire half. Crutcher scored nine points. Mikesell had seven points. Toppin and Ibi Watson each scored five. Jordy Tshimanga picked up two quick fouls after entering the game but stayed on the court and then scored four straight points.
Nine players saw action for Dayton in the first half. Everyone but Rodney Chatman and Jhery Matos scored. Chase Johnson missed his second straight game with an illness. Dayton shot 46% from the field and 27% (3 of 11) from 3-point range.
