With only 7:39 remaining on the clock, it seemed nearly impossible for seventh-seeded Dayton to overcome a 17-point deficit against tenth-seeded Nevada.
According to ESPN Analytics, the Wolf Pack had a 99.1% chance of advancing to the second round while Dayton's chances of advancing to the second round was a mere 0.9%.
But as the clock ticked down, the Flyers' determination grew stronger, fueling their impressive rally.
With 7:14 left in the game and the Flyers' spirits unbroken, they embarked on a stunning turnaround that would defy the odds and cap the most significant rally since 2018 in the NCAA tournament. Fans and supporters witnessed this exhilarating 63-60 win at the Delta Center.
"Our guys showed incredible resilience and poise under pressure," said Dayton coach Anthony Grant.
"We stayed focused and made plays when it mattered most."
I thought down the stretch we got in a rhythm where the guys understood how we wanted to attack them and how we needed to make plays for each other
Anthony Grant
Nevada head coach Steve Alford was left to reflect on an unexpected end to their season, attributing the loss to a series of mistakes and uncharacteristic missteps.
The Wolf Pack's defense struggled to rotate effectively, leading to Dayton's scoring surge late in the game.
Nevada senior guard Kenan Blackshear admitted that his team experienced a "meltdown" during those crucial final minutes.
Jarod Lucas of Nevada gave the Wolf Pack a seemingly insurmountable lead with a step-back 3-pointer at the 7:39 mark, putting Nevada up 56-39.
The score was tied at 58-58 when the clock reached the final two minutes. Dayton has closed the 17-point gap in a little over 5 minutes.
The Crucial Last Two Minutes
With only 2 minutes and 1 second remaining in the contest, Dayton regained the lead through a layup scored by Jalen Crutcher, resulting in a 59-58 advantage.
However, the Flyers could not hold on to their narrow edge.
Against Dayton, Nevada's Kenan Blackshear made a crucial basket with only 1:03 remaining, giving his team a lead of 60-59.
In a dramatic turn of events, Dayton guard Enoch Cheeks hit a game-winning layup with just 34 seconds remaining to secure the victory for the Flyers, 61-60.
With time running out and only 16 seconds left on the clock, Nick Davidson's slip-up during a crossover attempt provided an opening for Cheeks to capitalize and secure the victory.
Cheeks was subsequently fouled and made both free throws to clinch the final score of the game.
Dayton's comeback run started with a perfect streak, as the team showcased near-perfection on offense. It was a most amazing second-half comeback.
A remarkable display of marksmanship saw them convert all 7 of their field goal attempts, every long-range shot (4 out of 4), and 6 out of their 7 opportunities at the free throw line, resulting in just a single giveaway.
The Flyers' incredible rally defied expectations, leaving many stunned by their perseverance and determination.
"This is a testament to our team's heart and grit," said Grant.
What Comes After the Excitement
The Flyers now face a challenging second-round matchup against the second-seeded Arizona Wildcats.
Dayton is excited for the next game against Arizona following the upset win.
The NCAA tournament is known for its unexpected twists and turns, but Dayton's rally from a 17-point deficit may go down as one of the most memorable in recent history.
The Flyers' determination and brilliant gameplay under pressure has set them apart in the eyes of fans and pundits alike, leaving many eager to see what they will do next.
As Dayton prepares for their second-round matchup against Arizona, their incredible comeback remains a source of inspiration and excitement for all involved.
The Flyers' unforgettable rally not only showcased their talent but also highlighted the importance of never giving up, no matter the odds.
