BYU Cougars vs Dayton Flyers Betting Preview
No. 9 BYU and Dayton square off Friday night in Kissimmee for the ESPN Events Invitational championship. Both programs brought big crowds to Florida, and BYU’s traveling base showed again in Thursday’s semifinal — their fan support overwhelmed the building during a 72–62 comeback win over Miami. For full board comparison, check the college basketball odds page.
Projected NBA lottery pick AJ Dybantsa finished with 16 points and eight boards, while Robert Wright III delivered key second-half scoring. Richie Saunders continues to be one of the most efficient weapons in the country and pairs with Dybantsa to form a dynamic scoring duo.
Dayton enters at 6-1 with back-to-back overtime wins over Marquette and Georgetown. The Flyers blew a late double-digit lead Thursday but steadied themselves in OT to advance. Anthony Grant praised his group’s toughness and conditioning as they push for another early-season title. For game-to-game breakdowns, visit the NCAAB previews section.
Line Movement and Odds
BYU opened –10.5 with a total around 150.5. Dayton’s pace and free-throw rate tend to drive totals upward, but BYU’s ability to control tempo through physicality has kept early wagering relatively balanced. For similar-spread matchups, check the free college basketball picks.
Matchup Breakdown
BYU’s offense revolves around pace, space and unselfish guard play. They average more than 87 points per game and shoot nearly 49 percent from the field. Their rotations also continue to tighten as Dybantsa grows more comfortable creating his own shot. The Cougars also have a strong defensive ceiling, especially from the wings, where their length disrupts ball-handlers.
Dayton brings a balanced scoring mix with three players averaging double figures — Bennett, Montgomery and L’Etang. They rely heavily on late-game execution, free-throw shooting and half-court efficiency. The Flyers’ frontcourt can challenge BYU on the glass, but their defensive rotations will be tested against the Cougars’ off-ball movement.
Team pages:
• BYU Cougars roster & stats
• Dayton Flyers roster & stats
Best Bets and Prediction
BYU’s depth, perimeter shooting and defensive size give them clear advantages. Dayton can compete through tempo control and offensive balance, but BYU’s firepower is difficult to withstand over 40 minutes.
Projected Score: BYU 85, Dayton 72
Best Bet: BYU –10.5
Secondary Lean: Over 150.5
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