Troy University Athletics
Troy Men Host WCC in Last Non-SBC Game
1/4/2009 6:00:00 AM | Basketball (M)
TROY ? The Troy Trojans will host William Carey University on Monday night at 7pm at Trojan Arena in their final non-Sun Belt Conference game of the season.
Troy (6-9, 2-2 SBC) picked up a big home victory over FIU on Saturday night 79-72 with Brandon Hazzard scoring 16 points, including four of the final six points for the Trojans in the final minute.
Although William Carey is an NAIA school, the Trojans and head coach Don Maestri are not looking past this team as they look to build some momentum.
“We learned back in 2003 when we lost to Christian Brothers the year after beating Arkansas that the name on the uniform does not mean anything. Having to get yourself ready to play mentally is important. You have to realize that in basketball anyone can win on any given day,” Maestri said.
“How we handle the challenge of getting ready for this game on a quick turnaround is important. Trying to win back-to-back games is an important challenge and trying to win at home is a challenge. This game against William Carey presents us with all three of those challenges.”
Troy is trying to pick up back-to-back victories for just the second time this season. The Trojans won three straight games from November 21-29.
“For our team anytime we can get back-to-back wins it is a big plus. We have had such a tough schedule so far, so it is even more important to get two victories in a row. We have played 15 games so far and only five of those at home. That's difficult, but we are 4-1 at home,” Maestri said.
Troy has played just five home games thus far this season, compared to 10 games away from Trojan Arena and Maestri is ready to see more consistency from his squad now that they are dealing with a regular schedule. The Trojans are 4-1 at home, compared to 2-8 away from Troy.
“We need to start playing some better basketball now that the schedule has some normalcy with us only playing two games a week instead of playing every other day like we have done the last couple of weeks,” he said.
Troy and William Carey have met on the court 20 times, with the Trojans holding a 13-7 advantage, but have not faced each other since 1986.
At halftime of Monday's game and for each remaining home game this season, one lucky fan will have a chance to win five thousand dollars, so don't miss your opportunity to win.
Barry McKnight will bring you all of Monday night's action from courtside over the airwaves on the Troy ISP Network and online at TroyTrojans.com.
