The Trojans’ 30-point victory marks the first postseason win in program history at DI level
The Trojans made history after downing FIU in the first round of the WNIT to secure the program’s first postseason win Tuesday night inside Trojan Arena.
. The Trojans defeated the Panthers by 30, behind a strong third quarter team performance and individual performance from Ja’Mia Hollings.
“I wasn’t ready to go home yet,” Hollings said. “There is more ball to played so that means there is more ball to win.”
The first quarter remained a back-and-forth contest until FIU gained a six-point lead following free throws Kaliah Henderson. Troy then turned the game upside down going on a 9-0 run to end the quarter, holding a three-point advantage into the second.
“A thing I am really proud of is the players made an adjustment,” said head coach Chanda Rigby. “FIU’s post player was dominating us to start, but the players made their own adjustments to keep the ball out of her hands.”
The second quarter started with a three-pointer from the Panthers’ Angena Belloso, to tie the game at 25 all. The game would remain within two points, until Makayia Hallmon hit a shot from behind the arc at the 2:49 mark. This three-point shot sparked another offensive run that blossomed into a nine-point halftime lead.
“Whatever I can give to my team, that is what I do on a day-to-day basis,” Hallmon said. “We responded in a great way after the Sun Belt tournament with this win today.”
Much like many games this season, the third quarter was crucial to Troy’s success. Straight out of halftime the Trojans went on a 12-0 run to extend the lead the 21 points. Troy would end up outscoring FIU 27-7 in the third, which became the main reason for the victory. Troy won their first ever postseason tournament game, 92-62.
“I feel amazing because we fought so hard,” Rigby said. “We always say that postseason is the most important season, and this was very special to get this win for the team.”
Troy advances to the Super Sixteen of the WNIT and will take a road trip to North Carolina A&T on Friday March 29, at 6:30 p.m.
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