Women's basketball team makes massive comeback on the road

The Troy women’s basketball team experienced a week of historic resilience on the road, storming back from a 21-point deficit to stun Marshall 85-82 before pulling away late to dismantle Coastal Carolina 88-77. 

Despite facing massive early deficits and hostile environments, the Trojans maintained their rebounding dominance and propelled head coach Chanda Rigby to a monumental career milestone of 500 career wins.  

These two victories solidified Troy’s position at the top of the Sun Belt Conference standings and showcased a team that refuses to quit when the chips are down. 

Brady Fitch photo

Zay Dyer and Lana Koricanac celebrate against Georgia State.

"What a night we just had in the freezing cold," said head coach Chanda Rigby following the win over Marshall. "I'm just so grateful to get 500 wins, it's surreal." 

The road trip began with a legendary comeback in Huntington, West Virginia, where Troy trailed by 21 points late in the second quarter. Facing a 20-point hole at halftime, the Trojans flipped the script with a blistering 72.2% shooting performance in the third quarter.  

Ashley Baez took over the game, scoring all 18 of her points in the second half, including the go-ahead three-pointer with 57 seconds remaining to secure Rigby’s 500th collegiate victory. 

"We were down 21, and yet, we were calm, cool, and collected in the locker room," Rigby said. "I felt like we still had a purpose.  

“It was one of my favorite wins because we showed the Trojan way." 

Troy carried that momentum into Saturday afternoon against Coastal Carolina, overcoming a slow start to secure an 88-77 win. While the game was tied at 63 with under nine minutes to play, the Trojans utilized a clinical 25-14 closing run to seal the result. 

A season-high 88.9% mark from the free-throw line proved to be the difference-maker in the closing minutes. 

"The game was a lot closer than the box score showed," Rigby said. "Whether it was our slow start or us trading baskets basically the entire second half, it was a tough battle. 

“I'm just thankful for the dog in our players." 

Zay Dyer and Fortuna Ngnawo continued their reign as the premier post duo in the Sun Belt, both recording double-doubles in both contests. Against Marshall, Ngnawo exploded for 21 points, while Dyer’s 14 rebounds helped Troy control the interior.  

Dyer’s consistency has been historic -- she is now one of only 13 active Division I players with 40 or more career double-doubles. 

"Ashley guarded one of the best guards in our conference," Rigby said of Baez’s performance against the Chanticleers. "She hit big shots, changed her game to open her shots up... it was a growth moment." 

Rachel Leggett also contributed over the week, dominating the glass against Coastal Carolina with a team-high 13 rebounds. Saniya Jackson provided a massive spark off the bench with 10 points, while Emani Jenkins continued her ascent in the record books.  

Jenkins hit four triples on Saturday, moving her into a tie for the third-most three-pointers in a single season in Troy history. 

With the sweep, the Trojans remain a force in the conference as Rigby moves to the doorstep of yet another milestone. 

"Our bench came out and played great in a tight environment, and that's critical, especially when we get to March," Rigby said. "I'm just thankful for the dog in our players." 

The Trojans now return to the friendly confines of Trojan Arena with a chance to make history. After a home game against App State on Wednesday, Rigby takes the team to Indiana for a matchup with Ball State. She’s one win away from tying the record for the  winningest coach in Troy history.