Amy Austin
Staff Writer
The five-game losing streak was snapped for the Troy University men’s basketball team after a conference victory over South Alabama, 79-74, in a close game on Thursday, Feb 6.
The Trojans defeated the Jaguars in a tightly fought game. While South Alabama led the game by one point after the first half, Troy came out shooting in the second half and took the game away from the Jaguars.
“We needed a win in the worst way,” said head coach Phil Cunningham. “I was proud of the guys because they never slipped one inch in terms of attitude, work ethic from day to day. They haven’t slipped any and it’s good to see them get a win and come in that locker room with a smile on their face.”
After struggling with scoring free throws in the past few games, Troy was able to keep neck and neck with South Alabama. The Trojans had a final free throw percentage of 60.6 percent while the Jaguars only led with 61.5 percent. Each of Troy’s starters scored at least one free throw while on the line.
Senior guard Antoine Myers scored the most free throws making seven out of his 12 attempts. Troy made 20 out of 33 points at the charity stripe while South Alabama only had eight out of 13.
Fellow senior guard Hunter Williams led the team in 26 points for the Trojans and 21 out of 26 of William’s points were scored in the final 20 minutes of the game, which included seven 3-pointers.
“He was something else tonight,” Cunningham said. “He got it going there in the second half and made some shots that I promise you we didn’t draw a play up.
We didn’t have anything to do with it. He just stepped up and made the shots.”
Other standout players were junior forward Kevin Thomas who had 15 points and senior guard Jeff Mullahey who finished the game with 13 points. Senior center Josh Warren also contributed 10 rebounds for the Trojans, three of which were offensive.
The Trojans outrebounded the Jaguars 36-31. Troy shot 46.3 percent from the field, making 25 of 54, while South Alabama shot 48.3 percent and 45 percent from behind the arc, making 9 of 20.
Troy dominated the second half of the game by taking the lead within the first minute and allowed the score to only be tied four times but never had the lead stolen from them.
Troy will be back in action tonight in Bowling Green, as Troy is set to play Western Kentucky. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. and the game will be aired on ESPN3. The Trojans will be back at home again on Saturday, Feb. 15, to play Georgia State at 5 p.m. and this game will be on ESPN2.
