Hazzard, Huddleston Handle UWA, 118-76

Monday, November 10

Troy, Ala.

7 p.m.

Troy University

118

West Alabama (Exhibition)

11/10/2008 6:00:00 AM | Basketball (M)

TROY ? A newcomer and a returner anchored the Troy attack as the 2008-09 edition of the Trojans' men's basketball team debuted on Monday night at Trojan Arena as they defeated West Alabama 118-76.

Junior college transfer Regis Huddleston scored 20 points on 6-of-10 shooting from three point range and junior Brandon Hazzard poured in a game-high 31 to pace the Trojan attack.

Troy also used Monday night to debut their new “European style” offensive attack, and it was evident that the style of play would feature some old Troy favorites, but still some new flair.

The Trojans attempted 33 three pointers for the game, but connected on 17 of them to the tune of 52 percent. Leading the way was Huddleston with six and Hazzard with four.

“I did see signs of things we have been working on in practice. Every guy we have realizes they have to play as hard as they can play for us to win,” head coach Don Maestri said.

Hazzard known mostly as a sharpshooter his first two seasons at Troy, used his ball-handling skills to get to the basket multiple times including the opening possession of the game when he set up senior Tom Jervis for a thundering dunk.

Huddleston anchored the offense for the first half, hitting his first six three point attempts to finish with 18 at the break. He settled in with just four in the second half to go with four rebounds and two assists.

After the intermission Hazzard took on the scoring burden for the Trojans scoring 17 of his 31 in the second period, including four of six three pointers. His offensive outburst helped the Trojans outscore the Tigers 24-8 to start the second half. In addition to his 31 points, he finished with six rebounds and team-high five assists.

The Trojans also had Kenny Ware post a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds along with Travis Lee and Mario Telfair scoring 11 points each, respectively.

Jervis finished the game with nine points and three blocks, while Chris Leggett added nine points and six rebounds off the bench.

The Trojans dominated the glass the entire game, winning the rebound battle 45-27 including 17 offensive rebounds.

West Alabama was paced by Troy native Jason Swanson with 22 points and six rebounds in 30 minutes of work. Tray Williams was the only other Tiger to score in double-figures with 11.

The Trojans will be in action next on Saturday when they host in-state rival UAB to start the 2008-09 season. Tip-off is set for 2 PM at Trojan Arena.