(Sports Network) - Chris Wright picked up where he left off last season, scoring a game-best 25 points to go along with eight rebounds, as 21st-ranked Dayton shook off a slow start to rally past Creighton, 90-80, in the season opener for both teams.

Chris Johnson notched a double-double with 18 points and 15 rebounds, while Marcus Johnson donated 13 points. Dayton shot 49.3 percent from the floor in the victory. However, the Flyers (1-0) made just 9-of-27 from beyond the arc, including an 0-for-4 effort from Marcus Johnson.

"It was a program that gave us everything they could shorthanded," said Dayton coach Brian Gregory. "Our guys responded well, we rebounded better and played with better poise. We did some really good things against a quality team. I'm pleased with the win and I'm pleased the way we bounced back in the second half. We are still tinkering, but we will get there."

Creighton was led by P'Allen Stinnett's 18 points and Wayne Runnels' 16 points. Darryl Ashford donated 13 points, while Ethan Wragge and Cavel Witter recorded 11 points apiece for the Bluejays (0-1).

The Bluejays methodically built a 31-22 edge in the first half on a Stinnett three-pointer, one of three for the shooting guard. Runnels' layup a few minutes later opened a double-digit advantage at 35-25, and Creighton held a 46-41 lead after 20 minutes of game action.

It didn't take Dayton long to forge in front out of the locker rooms. Wright's trey pushed the Flyers in front 50-48, capping a 9-2 burst to start the second half. Kenny Lawson, Jr.'s slam for the Bluejays cut the deficit to 63-62 with just under 10 minutes left in the game. Creighton then took the lead moments later on a Wragge three for a 67-66 score.

The game remained close as Ashford's lay-in kept the Bluejays close at 73-71 in favor of the home team. Dayton tried to stretch out its lead but Kaleb Korver's three kept Creighton within four points at 82-78 with just over two minutes to go.

However, the Blue Jays didn't score again with a meaningless layup with 17 seconds left as Dayton made its foul shots down the stretch.

Game Notes

Dayton leads the all-time series, 7-4...The Flyers have won 21 straight games at home and need just six more wins at home to reach 500 overall at the University of Dayton Arena...Creighton made 8-of-23 from beyond the arc...Dayton outscored the Bluejays in the paint, 42-34.



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