Trojans’ defensive pressure leads to 118-53 win over Stillman

The Troy women’s basketball team won its first game of the season in an exhibition against Stillman College on Thursday, Nov. 5, routing the Tigers 118-53.

Troy had a decent crowd in Trojan Arena for the first game, which was dressed in all white to support the Trojans.

After a little back and forth from both teams, the Trojans took the lead. The score was 15-7 at the end of the first quarter.

The Trojans caught a spark in the beginning of the second quarter and developed a lead that they held through the entire quarter, never losing their double-digit lead. At the half, the Trojans raced to a 50-23 lead.

The Trojans dominated the game with nine turnovers to the Tiger’s 19 at the half. Troy also was perfect from the free-throw line, while Stillman shot only 50 percent.

At the end of the third, the Trojans were closing in on the 100-point mark with the score at 94-39. The Trojans ended their game in a blowout, 118-53.

Troy was successful in forcing 36 turnovers out of the Tigers, 24 of which were steals. This would have been a regular-season record for Troy if it were not an exhibition game. Troy was also extremely effective from the free-throw line, shooting 92 percent for the entire game.

“We pressed on makes and misses,” head coach Chanda Rigby said.  “We haven’t always done both and I thought that surprised them and caused a lot of the turnovers.”

Senior guard Ashley Kelley, junior guard Ta’Kierra Gibbs, and senior guard Rachel Reid all hit double figures, earning a combined 59 points. Kelley tallied 23 points, Gibbs had 20, and Reid followed close behind with 16. Junior forward Casie Johnson helped defensively, leading with 10 rebounds.

After an explosive opening to the season, the Trojans return to the court Friday, Nov. 13, to play West Alabama at home. Tipoff is scheduled for 12 p.m.