The Flyers’ magical run finally came to an end March 29 as No. 11 seed Dayton lost to the No. 1 seed Florida Gators, 62-52, in the South Region finals in Memphis, Tenn.
Dayton had knocked off heavyweights Ohio State and Syracuse earlier in the tournament, reaching the Elite Eight for the first time in decades. But Florida was simply too hot, winning its 30th straight game this year.
The score was tight for most of the first half, but Florida went on a 15-1 run just before halftime to take a double-digit lead into the break. The Gators kept the cushion in its lead for the rest of the game.
Senior guard Scottie Wilbekin led the Gators with 23 points and senior center Patric Young added 12.
Dayton sophomore forward Dyshawn Pierre led Dayton with 18 points in the loss.
Florida advanced on to their fifth ever Final Four appearance, where they’ll face Wisconsin, who beat No. 1 seed Arizona in overtime, 64-63, in the West Region final March 29.
