A Non‑Conference Gauntlet
The University of Dayton announced on Friday, June 5, that its men’s basketball team will open the 2024‑25 non‑conference slate with a road test at Florida State on December 5, followed by a trip to Liberty on December 19. The dates were confirmed as part of a broader schedule release that also includes a handful of exhibition contests and a series of regular‑season matchups against opponents from across the country.
Both games will be played in hostile environments, but the Flyers enter with confidence after a dominant performance against Florida State a year ago, when they routed the Seminoles 97‑69 in the UD Arena. A close 64‑61 loss to Liberty on December 20, 2023, also provided valuable lessons as the team looks to build on that experience.
Florida State will be led by first‑year head coach Luke Loucke, while Liberty’s program, under Ritchie McKay in his twelfth season, arrives with a strong recent record. The Seminoles finished the previous campaign at 18‑15 overall and 10‑8 in the Atlantic Coast Conference, whereas the Flames posted a 26‑8 mark and went 17‑3 in Conference USA.
Dayton’s schedule also features an exhibition game against Notre Dame on October 17, a home clash with New Jersey Institute of Technology on November 2, a matchup with Cincinnati on November 14, a neutral‑site contest in Chicago against Memphis on November 29, and a road game at Loyola Maryland on December 2. Additional non‑conference fixtures include a December 12 meeting with South Florida and participation in the Charleston Classic, which still has two of its games undecided.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming road stretch is designed to test the Flyers’ depth and versatility before they return to Atlantic 10 competition. With a mix of power‑conference opponents and mid‑major programs, the schedule aims to sharpen the team’s defensive schemes and offensive rhythm ahead of conference play.