Troy University Athletics
Troy Men Host Georgia State Tuesday
11/24/2008 6:00:00 AM | Basketball (M)
TROY ? The Troy Trojans men's basketball team will host Georgia State at 7:30 pm on Tuesday night at Trojan Arena following the women's basketball contest.
Troy (1-3) comes into the game fresh off a victory over Alcorn State on Friday, but still not happy with their overall play. The Trojans built a 67-39 lead at halftime, but were outscored 40-25 in the second half.
In the eyes of head coach Don Maestri, the Trojans must learn how to close out games.
“We must play two halves. We have not done that this season. Hopefully we can learn how to be more consistent in the second half. We have to make it a point of emphasis and play 40 minutes, not 20 minutes,” he said.
The Trojans have outscored their opponents by 35 in the opening halves of their four games, before allowing 24 more points in the second half.
Troy will face a tough task in Georgia State on Tuesday, a team that defeated the Trojans 97-92 in Atlanta last season, despite finishing with just a 9-23 record.
“We are playing a solid basketball team in Georgia State. We lost to them last season at their place. They had some division one transfers sitting out, so they will be a better team than they were last year,” Maestri said. “Their coach has always had defensively sound basketball teams. I expect his to be a very hard fought game.”
The Panthers (2-3) are coached by Rod Barnes. Barnes spent eight seasons at Ole Miss where he compiled a record of 141-109 and is in his second year at Georgia State.
“Their coach has always had defensively sound basketball teams. I expect his to be a very hard fought game,” Maestri said.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 pm on Tuesday. The game will be 30 minutes after the conclusion of Troy's women against Jacksonville State. The game will be available via the Troy/ISP Network and Trojan Game Pass.
