By Dustin Dow
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Lionel Chalmers knows he isn't surprising anyone. The Xavier senior scored 17 points Tuesday in his second game back from foot surgery and probably will see 25-30 minutes in today's game against Dayton (16-3, 8-0 Atlantic 10). At this point, anything and everything is expected from him.

"I know what I'm capable of doing," Chalmers said. "I was doing it before I got hurt. I know people might expect me not to be as good or not to be as successful, but that's my job to prove them wrong."

Chalmers' only limitation is his right foot, which was surgically repaired after he broke it Dec. 31 against Creighton. A screw was inserted to expedite healing, and Chalmers returned to action Feb. 1 at Richmond, playing 11 minutes.

"My condition is getting better and better every day," Chalmers said. "I did a good job of staying in shape when I was hurt, and if I was able to play 40 minutes, I don't think my conditioning would be a factor."

But the foot still is. Chalmers said it is sore after games, so it is hard for him to know how close he is to being 100 percent. There are good days and so-so days, he said.

Like Richmond and George Washington, Xavier's previous two opponents, Dayton plans to see an energized Chalmers, who has become one of the best guards in the league the past two seasons.

"I don't think anyone has forgotten what I can do or what I am capable of," Chalmers said.

Dayton coach Oliver Purnell said Chalmers has the ability to change the game when he is in the lineup.

"He's so good in transition," Purnell said. "You can't pay too much attention to (David) West and (Romain) Sato, because Chalmers can really hurt you. They are much better with him back in the mix."

Chalmers has been on the bench to begin games; sophomore Keith Jackson is starting. Jackson scored just five points against George Washington Tuesday but also had five assists.

E-mail ddow@enquirer.com