Men's basketball starts conference play 4-1

Troy men’s basketball took its first loss in conference play last Wednesday to Arkansas State but quickly got back on track with a win over Louisiana on Saturday afternoon. 

The two-game road trip began in Jonesboro, Ark., with the Red Wolves. A struggle for most in the 86-74 loss still became an impressive night for Theo Seng. The senior managed 23 points and eight rebounds after making 10 of his 13 shot attempts. 

The Trojans struggled to stop the 3-point shooting of the Red Wolves. The Ryan Pannone-coached team shot 40% from beyond the arc with 12 total 3-pointers made. Arkansas State also knocked in 45% of its shots from the floor. 

“It wasn't our night; we were a little out of rhythm.” Troy coach Scott Cross said. “Our guys fought and kept playing.  

“We're going to have nights like this and experience some adversity.” 

Cross and his squad continued its two-game road trip with a drive to Lafayette, La., to take on the Louisiana’ Ragin Cajuns. The Trojans easily rallied from the weeknight loss with a 90-70 Saturday win in the Cajundome. 

Troy managed a very balanced attack with five players hitting double figures in points, though none reached more than 20. Thomas Dowd led the way with 15 points and eight rebounds while Kerrington Keil, Victor Valdes, Cobi Campbell and Cooper Campbell each also had double-digit nights. 

Troy took a page out of Arkansas State’s book with a masterful 3-point shooting performance. The Trojans shot 59% from long range. Their 17 made threes is the most since February 2023. 

"I feel like today was the most unselfish we've played all year long.” Cross said. “The ball was moving around, and we got hot from the outside.  

“It was one of those nights where everything was falling.” 

While Troy split the week, the team still remains tied for first in the Sun Belt as of the time of writing with a conference record of 4-1. Three of the next four opponents for Troy are among those tied for the top spot.  

The Trojans have Southern Miss at home on Wednesday night followed by a chance at redemption against Arkansas State this Saturday. Georgia Southern is the final of the tied teams, and Troy will face off with the Eagles on Jan. 24. in Statesboro, Ga.  

The Trojans will try to extend their three-game home winning streak this week with Southern Miss Wednesday night at 6 p.m. and Arkansas State on Saturday at 3:33 p.m. Both games will be aired on ESPN+.