The University of Dayton women's basketball team overcame Evansville 73-66 in their final non-conference matchup on Sunday afternoon at UD Arena. Nayo Lear starred with a career-high 25 points, leading the Flyers through a back-and-forth contest. Multiple players contributed key scores as Dayton pulled away in the second half.
The Dayton Flyers started slowly, with Nayo Lear opening the scoring via free throws. Evansville responded with a 7-0 run, but Lear and Molly O'Riordan quickly answered to keep the game close. The first quarter saw several lead changes, including Olivia Leung's three-pointer that gave Dayton a brief edge. Leung capped the period with another three at the buzzer, securing a 21-20 lead for the Flyers.
In the second quarter, Lear dominated, scoring the first six points and reaching 20 by halftime through layups and and-ones. Ajok Madol added a floater just before the break, extending Dayton's advantage to 40-34. The Flyers built on this momentum in the third quarter, with Fatima Ibrahim and Lear combining for early baskets. Shantavia Dawkins fueled a 11-0 run with a three and a field goal, pushing the lead to 53-38. Leung's third three later made it 58-40, Dayton's largest margin.
Evansville narrowed the gap to seven in the fourth, but M.G. Talle and Madol restored double digits. After closing to four at 67-63, Dayton broke the press for Ibrahim's layup. Lear sealed her career high with free throws, making it 71-64, and Madol's steal led to the final 73-66 score with 40 seconds remaining. The victory improves Dayton's non-conference record as they head into conference play.
