SLU visits Dayton in A-10 opener

The Billikens open Atlantic 10 Conference play tonight with a visit to the Dayton Flyers. SLU is currently 12-2 while Dayton is 10-4. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. (St. Louis time).

 The Flyers are led by first-year coach Arch Miller. His top player is 6'0" junior guard Kevin Dillard. The Southern Illinois transfer is averaging 11.8 points and 5.1 assists per game. Senior forward Chris Johnson is averaging 10.5 points a game while fellow senior Paul Williams averages 9.5 points.

 Dayton will be playing its first game without 6'9" junior forward Josh Benson, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Dayton's victory over Ole Miss last weekend. Benson was Dayton's second-leading scorer and rebounder.

 In non-conference play, the Flyers won the Old Spice Classic in Orlando and have victories over the likes of Wake Forest, Minnesota and Mississippi.