Peguero steps into larger role as women’s basketball wins sixth straight

Brady Fitch photo

Briana Peguero dribbles down the court.

After taking down conference foe Louisiana, the Troy women’s basketball team is now on a six-game win streak. Alongside the win, the Trojans also took home a measure of revenge as the Ragin’ Cajuns bounced Troy from the conference tournament last season.

In the 81-73 victory, the Trojans had several players contribute to the team’s success. Of the five players that scored in double digits, the catalyst was transfer guard Briana Peguero.

In this outing Peguero led Troy with 16 points, while scrapping for six rebounds and six assists. She did this by hitting six of her 13 shot attempts, cashing in two 3-point shots.

“I’m more confident now and it’s helping the team – I also feel the team is coming together and playing together,” the senior told Troy Athletics after the win against Louisiana.

Peguero has been consistently scoring in double digits, hitting the mark in each of the last five games. In those five games, the Mercer transfer hit 17 points twice, which is her career high while donning the cardinal and silver.

During the run, Peguero had to step into a role outside of scoring the ball – leadership. Fellow senior and leader Shaulana Wagner came down with an injury, opening the door for Peguero to expand her role. Her expanded role led to her reaching new heights.

“It felt good to get my teammates involved – I think this is my first double-double, so that’s a great accomplishment for myself,” Peguero said to Troy Athletics after the conference win against Appalachian State.

Along with reaching the 13-point mark, she tallied 10 assists against the Mountaineers.

Success is not new to Peguero as she comes in as a seasoned veteran. During her time at Trinity Valley, she made the 2022-23 Region 16 All-Region and All-Conference teams respectfully. She also was a member of the 2023 NJCAA D-I National Tournament All-Tournament Team, while being named an honorable mention as an All-American.

While her points per game has dropped a tick from last year’s mark, her recent success sets the stage for a successful climb to March. Peguero and the Trojans are back on the road, playing Texas State on Thursday, Jan. 23 before playing Louisiana on Saturday.