The University of Dayton is set to host an NIT match against No. 4 Illinois State in the quarterfinals, marking a 16-year absence from the event. The winner will then face Nevada or Auburn in Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on April 2. Dayton's absence from these games is largely due to the NCAA Tournament and the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) which have hosted state semifinal and championship games at UD Arena in recent years. Despite this, Dayton has been successful in its two road games in this year's event, winning by 14 at Bradley and by 19 at UNC Wilmington. The team's defense ranks fifth in the Atlantic 10 at 69.5 PPG and is ranked 24th in the NCAA in turnovers forced per game and 37th in steals.