TROY, Ala.- Senior Justin Jonus scored a game-high 32 points, however, the Trojans fell to South Alabama 90-74 Sunday afternoon at Trojan Arena.
“We played hard today,” coach Don Maesrti said. “We didn't beat ourselves but South Alabama played today like they were the best team in the league.”
Jonus' 10 three-pointers set a new school NCAA Division I record for three-pointers in a single game. He was 10-of-16 from behind the arc.
South Alabama (20-4, 12-1) shot 65 percent from the floor in the second half on 15-of-23 shooting. Domonic Tilford led the Jags in scoring with 26 points. Demetric Bennett chipped in 22.
“Tilford will probably be the MVP in the conference,” Maestri said. “Tonight he looked like he could have played in the NBA.”
The biggest difference for the two teams were the Jags' bench points and shots from the free throw line.
Troy (10-14, 3-10) was outscored 33-7 in points from the bench, but the Trojans did not have a single attempt from the free throw line. However, USA had 21 attempts while connecting on 18.
“I can only remember one game where we didn't have a single shot from the line,” Maestri said. “The game where we scored 258 is the only time.”
Troy and USA raced out to a blistering pace in the first eight minutes of the game. The two teams traded baskets as South Alabama took the early 20-18 advantage. The first dead ball was called at the 12:10 mark.
The Trojans and South Alabama shot the ball well in the first half with both teams shooting 46 percent. South had the advantage from behind the arc shooting 50 percent compared to Troy's 35.
Junior Tom Jervis took a charge from Tilford, and Troy used back-to-back three pointers from Jonus to take the 34-32 lead with 5:40 to go in the opening half.
Following a Trojan turnover, Tilford hit a three on South's next possession giving them the 35-34 lead.
Troy answered with a three from Jonus to reclaim the lead, 37-35. South would then go on a 9-0 run over the final 4:10 to take the 44-37 halftime lead.
“Our guys felt good about their play today but we need to do more,” Maestri said. “We have another big game on the road against Western Kentucky and hopefully we will go up there and play good and come back home playing good.”
The Trojans return to action Thursday night against Western Kentucky. The game can be seen on Fox Sports Atlantic beginning at 7 p.m. in Bowling Green.
