Trojans End Five-Game Losing Streak in Atlanta

Thursday, December 30

Atlanta, GA

2 p.m. (EST)

Troy University

Mississippi Valley State University

Photo by: Kevin Glackmeyer

Trojans End Five-Game Losing Streak in Atlanta

12/30/2010 3:14:15 PM | Basketball (W)

Troy places four players in double figures in win over Mississippi Valley State

By: Travis Jarome

Box Score

ATLANTA – The Troy University women's basketball team ended a five-game losing streak as they defeated Mississippi Valley State University 62-56 in the consolation game of the GSU Invitational Thursday afternoon.

Troy (3-11, 0-1 Sun Belt) was paced by DeAngela Sword (Montgomery, Ala./Pensacola JC) with 16 points, as she led four players in double figures for the Trojans. It was the first time the Trojans placed four players in double figures since February 20, 2010 against Florida Atlantic University.

Junior Tenia Manuel (Leesburg, Fla./Leesburg HS) added 15 points in the victory, while senior Donette McNair (New London, Conn./New London HS) added 13 before fouling out with 1:30 remaining in the game. Freshman Dominique Ross (Covington, Tenn./Covington HS) came off the bench to add a career-high 11 points in the win.

"We had great balance today," head coach Michael Murphy said. "To have four players in double figures says alot about the way the team played. I am proud of the effort in the game today, especially playing two games in less than 24 hours. We will be able to take this and build on it for the game on Sunday against Florida Atlantic and for the rest of the conference season."

Ka'Neisha Smith was the only player in double figures for Mississippi Valley State (3-8) with a season-high 19 points.

The Trojans led by as many as 14 with 17:39 remaining in the contest before withstanding a charge by Mississippi Valley State in the final minutes, as they trimmed the lead to six. The second half belonged to the Trojans as they were able to keep the lead at double-digits for most of the half, allowing Mississippi Valley State to close to within seven late in the half.

But it all started from the tip as the Trojans were able to control the tip and scored the first points and the game, never looking back in ending the losing streak.

Troy scored the first points of the game on a free throw by McNair just 1:11 into the contest. The Devilettes would never take the lead, but did the game twice in the first half at 6-all and 8-all before Troy was able to pull away. The Trojans went on a 13-5 run over a span of seven minutes to take a 21-13 lead with just 6:13 remaining in the opening half on a Sword jumper.

After Mississippi Valley State pulled to within six late in the first half, the Trojans were able to push the lead to as many as 10 on free throws by Sword and Ross with 24 seconds remaining before Mississippi Valley State scored with just 11 seconds remaining for the eight-point lead for the Trojans at the intermission.

Troy shot 38.9 (21-for-54) percent from the floor and just 25 (1-for-4) from beyond the arc. However, they shot 63.3 (19-for-30) percent from the free throw line; while forcing Mississippi Valley State into 23 turnovers. The Trojans also won the rebounding battle 41-40.

Meanwhile, Mississippi Valley State shot 36.2 (21-for-58) percent from the floor and just 14.3 (2-of-14) percent from beyond the arc. They also shot 60 (12-for-20) percent from the free throw line.

Troy returns to action on Sunday as they host Florida Atlantic University in Sun Belt Conference action. The game can be heard on WTBF-94.7 FM beginning with the 3:45 pm pregame show, and a 4 pm tip at Sartain Hall. The game will also be televised by the Sun Belt Network on CSS and CST, check your local cable provider for channel listings and availability.

The game will also be a way for the fans to catch free Troy basketball action, as if you bring a church bulletin to the game you will be given free admission to Sartain Hall.

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