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Edgar Chaput
Nevada (10) vs. Dayton (7) Bracket Prediction: March Madness Odds
A few things make this a compelling contest. For one, these schools have never played each other, certainly not with such high stakes on the line. Second, each program is experiencing a renaissance of sorts. They both missed March Madness for a few years recently but have now made it back to the big show.
Even the March Madness odds aren’t sure who has the edge in this one. For what it’s worth, Nevada holds a slight -1.5 advantage.
Nevada Wolf Pack vs. Dayton Flyers NCAA Tournament Point Spread and Betting
As established, Dayton and Nevada have never logged horns before, so there’s no history to speak of here. Individually speaking, Dayton and Nevada aren’t exactly March Madness heavyweights, but their fanbases have been here before with some regularity.
In Nevada’s case, the school played in the Sweet Sixteen as recently as 2018, matching its best performance since 2004. Those were, however, the only two times the Wolf Pack made it that deep in the tournament. They missed out on the madness in 2021 and 2022, but are making their second consecutive appearance. Betters should take note that the Pack didn’t just do well in the Mountain West standings, but ATS too. At 21-10, they’re a pretty healthy bet. That said, their last three defeats ATS were as favourites.
Dayton’s March Madness history isn’t as lively as their opponent’s, but 2024 marks the school’s 19thappearance. It’s their first since 2017, however. This year also marks the 10-year anniversary of the last time the school reached the Elite Eight in 2014 – the very best was a was a Final Four in…1967. This season has been a bit rougher for the Flyers versus the spread. They’ve only amassed a 16-14 tally. More worrisome is that they’ve only covered two of their last seven opportunities.
Nevada Wolf Pack (10)
The Wolf Pack just missed out on finishing first in the Mountain West, compiling a 13-5 record to Utah State’s 14-4. They put up comparable numbers to their first round opponents, conceding no more than an average of 67.1 points a game and putting up 76.4. Funnily enough, they’re not a great rebounding side either (34.5).
What they lack is a weapon as consistent as the Flyers (more on that below). The best Nevada has to offer is guard Jarod Lucas with 17.8. On the flip side, Lucas isn’t known as a rebounder. Those duties go to forward Nick Davidson, who ensnares 7.3. If Lucas doesn’t get going, the team has a capable number two man in Kenan Blackshear (15.1 points). Blackshear also leads the side in assists with 4.9.
Dayton Flyers (7)
There wasn’t a whole lot separating the top three teams in the A-10 Conference this season, but Dayton squeezed in at third with a 14-4 record. With regards to the major statistical categories, the Flyers were neither the best team nor the worst. Their offence was good for fifth (74.7) and the defence for fourth (66.3). Rebounding is an issue, however, as Dayton only manages 33.7 a game, near the bottom of the A-10.
Forward DaRon Holmes II is the roster’s premier scorer, averaging a solid 20.4. The big man also grabs 8.4 rebounds a tilt, which also is a squad best. Want more? How about 2.1 blocks? He can do just about anything, it seems. Nate Santos as 12-points per game weapon, not to mention 6.4 rebounds to his name.
NEV
DAY