Women’s basketball falls at home to App State

The Trojans dropped their fourth straight women’s basketball game on Thursday, Jan. 28, losing at home to Appalachian State 96-81.

After climbing the conference rankings earlier in the season, the Trojans (10-9, 5-5 Sun Belt) hit a four-game skid that dropped them into fifth place in the latest standings.

The Trojans took an early lead, ending the first period on top 19-15. Troy lost its momentum in the second quarter, though, as the Mountaineers (6-13, 3-7 Sun Belt) shot 52 percent.

The Mountaineers outscored the Trojans by 15 in the second quarter, giving Appalachian State a 44-33 lead going into the locker room.

In the second half, the visitors held the lead throughout the rest of the game and shot 62 percent to Troy’s 36. Despite App State’s 21 turnovers, Troy scored only six points on 17 offensive rebounds.

Senior guard Ashley Beverly-Kelley scored a team-high 22 points, but 15 of those came too late in the fourth quarter to make a difference. Starting forward and freshman Amahni Upshaw provided 10 rebounds and six points, and junior forward Caitlyn Ramirez scored 15 points off the bench.

The Mountaineers not only outscored the Trojans, but also beat them in percentages, rebounds and steals. Appalachian State shot 51 percent in field goals, grabbed 52 rebounds and made 11 steals.

Troy shot 36 percent from the field, recorded 42 rebounds and made eight steals.

Troy came up with only 23 percent from long range against the Mountaineers. Appalachian State, who sat at last place in the Sun Belt for three-pointers, shot 7-for-11 from beyond the arc.

The Mountaineers had five players that scored in double figures in the contest, led by junior guard Joi Jones, who scored 18 points and dished out eight assists.

Troy will return to the court on Thursday, Feb. 4, when it plays at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:15 p.m.