Trojans Run Away From Owls

Thursday, December 18

Troy, Ala.

7 p.m.

Troy University

Florida Atlantic

12/18/2008 6:00:00 AM | Basketball (M)

TROY, Ala. - The Trojans men's basketball team grabbed their first conference win in the Sun Belt Thursday night against the Florida Atlantic Owls.

The Trojans (4-6, 1-1 Sun Belt) relied on 16-2 second half run to defeat the Owls (4-7, 0-2 Sun Belt) by a score of 94-87 in Trojan Arena.

“It's really hard to measure how much a win does for us in this game,” Trojans head coach Don Maestri said. “I do know that a loss would have been a devastating loss for us though. You can't lose that game, especially at home. It does give us confidence, and it's going to help us a little bit going to UAB.”

Maestri credited Josh Williams as being a big difference in the game.

“Williams' play was critical for us,” Maestri said. “I thought he was a key factor for us, and he was a big part of this victory.”

Williams posted six points in the game for the Trojans, but was a big part of the Trojans early momentum.

Tom Jervis saw 22 minutes of action in the game. Jervis had four points and four blocks, and the blocks helped the Trojans on their 16-2 run against the Owls.

“Coach said we were pretty sloppy and we decided to clean it up,” Jervis said. It's starting to come together for us.”

The Trojans relied heavily on play from guard Michael Vogler. The Trojans got it together when it mattered, and Vogler made key free throws in the final minutes to help the Trojans seal a win.

“For a few possessions we couldn't get anything going,” Vogler said. “It's just poise. You've been shooting free throws since you picked up a basketball.”

Vogler was 6-of-8 from the line in the game, but he was 4-for-4 in the final 25 seconds of the game totaling with 15 points. Travis Lee also had 15 points in the game.

“I was feeling it tonight,” Lee said. “With this being a conference game tonight, everybody was on the same page. Everybody is playing their role.”

Maestri noticed Lee's play on the floor.

“I probably should have played him more,” Maestri said on Lee's performance.

The Trojans led a close game by five at the half, but in the second half the Owls claimed the lead 61-58.

“I was impressed when we lost the lead but managed to come back,” Maestri said. “Vogler was a big part of that. When his game is on we have a good game. He's like the quarterback of this team.”

Other notable performances on the night came from Brandon Hazzard with 14 points. Richard Delk and Regis Huddleston both added 11 each.

The Trojans are hoping this win will help them on the road this weekend at UAB on Saturday.

“Day to day it's getting better,” Vogler said.

An upset over the Blazers will certainly add to the momentum. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. in Birmingham.

The Trojans return to home action Monday night against UNC-Wilmington. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Trojan Arena, and general admission is free.