Troy University Athletics
Jackson, Dixon lead Troy to Duquesne Holiday Tournament Win, 78-72
12/30/2005 12:00:00 AM | Basketball (M)
Official Game Statistics
Troy vs. Duquesne Game Notes
PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- Cedric Jackson scored a career-high 23 points and Bobby Dixon chipped in 12 points, six rebounds and eight assists to lead Troy to a 78-72 victory over the host Dukes Friday night in the opening round of the Duquesne Holiday Tournament.
The Trojans (5-5) used an 11-0 run in the early portion of the second half to turn a six-point deficit, their largest of the game, into a five-point lead. The run continued as Troy built its largest advantage, 11 points, at 68-57 with 7:41 to play.
Dixon, limited to just two points into the second half, started the surge with a three-pointer before Jacob Hazouri tied the game with another three. Jarvis Acker hit a layup before Dixon capped the run with another triple.
The lead was three, 60-57, at the 10:28 mark when the Trojans rattled off eight straight points for an 11-point margin. Boo Ramsey hit a three to start the surge, followed by a Dixon layup and a rare three-pointer from Daryl Davis.
Duquesne (2-8) rallied to within three at 72-69 with 4:25 left, but the Trojans hit six of nine free throws over the remaining span to preserve the victory. During the same span, the Dukes hit just one field goal, a three-pointer by Bryant McAllister with 18 seconds remaining.
"We were fortunate to play through their run to retake the lead," said head coach Don Maestri. "I think the first basket (the Dixon three) was key. At other times this season, we have given up leads and been unable to answer.
"Cedric (Jackson) came up big tonight. He had great balance, using his power inside and then hitting a couple of threes from up top."
Troy built a 10-point lead in the first half at 31-21 on the heels of a 15-6 run, but Duquesne chipped it down to just two at the half, 38-36.
Hazouri also reached double figures with 11 points for Troy, while Jarvis Acker chipped in nine points. Sammy Sharp tallied seven points, six boards and four blocked shots.
McAllister lead all scores with 30 points, while the Dukes' Keith Gayden had a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds.
With the win, Troy advances to the championship game of the tournament tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 p.m. (EST) against Niagara. The Purple Eagles defeated Appalachian State 79-70 in the other first-round game.
