Troy University Athletics
Troy University
UAB
Troy Men Host UAB on Monday
11/28/2010 5:06:44 PM | Basketball (M)
Tip-Off Set for 7 pm in Sartain Hall
GAME NOTES :: LIVE STATS :: LIVE AUDIO :: LIVE VIDEO
The Trojans are finally back home after a four-game stretch on the road and they host a talented UAB squad on Monday night at 7 pm in Sartain Hall.
Both teams are coming off hotly contested games against SEC opponents. On Friday night, the Trojans fell to Mississippi State 92-83 in overtime, while UAB knocked off Arkansas in overtime 70-65.
Troy (1-4) has lost four games in a row after winning its season opener and is in need of some hometown fan support for the big in-state matchup.
“Having a good crowd would be nice for two reasons,” head coach Don Maestri said. “One, I think it helps you because you play better when you are in front of a good crowd. Secondly, they get to see UAB. UAB is the best team in the state of Alabama. They get to see a quality team who has already beaten two Sun Belt teams and a SEC team in Arkansas. UAB has got an outstanding team.
“If I were a basketball person, I'd come to the game to back [Troy] and also to see a good opponent.”
The Trojans know they have a tough task waiting for them on Monday night and that they need to get their confidence going early to be successful.
“I think UAB is a better defensive team than Mississippi State,” Maestri said. “So hopefully we can handle that pressure and then make a few shots that we didn't make in the last game. I think shot making is what builds confidence.
“We are going to have to be able to handle their aggressive pressure and make some shots. I think that will help our confidence.”
Troy is being led this season by a trio of seniors – guard Vernon Taylor (17.6 ppg), forward Levan Patsatsia (14.6 ppg) and center Bernard Toombs (10.2 ppg, 10.0 rpg).
Additionally, the Trojans are beginning to see some of their injury problems heal. Troy got senior guard Travis Lee back on Friday night. He responded by knocking down three 3-pointers and scoring 12 points.
Center Tim Owens (ankle) is available on Monday and guard Will Weathers (concussion) could be back pending a Monday doctor visit.
The Blazers (4-1) already own wins this season over Sun Belt members Middle Tennessee and South Alabama and their lone loss came on a buzzer-beating 3-pointer at Arizona State.
Senior point guard Aaron Johnson leads the nation in assists with 9.6 per game while also scoring 8.0 ppg. Junior Cameron Moore is scoring 17.6 ppg and grabbing 9.6 rpg.
Montgomery-native Jamarr Sanders is a big-time threat from outside (12 3-pointers, 31.6 percent) and is scoring 15.4 ppg.
Tip-off is set for 7 pm in Sartain Hall. Barry McKnight and Jerry Miller will bring you all the action from courtside beginning at 6:30 pm on the Troy Sports Network presented by IMG College.
