Troy University Athletics
Photo by: Kevin Glackmeyer
Trojans Hit the Road for Two
1/4/2011 3:37:48 PM | Basketball (M)
Men Face Louisiana Lafayette on Thursday
GAME NOTES :: LISTEN LIVE :: LIVE STATS
Troy will have to shake off any rust and lingering cobwebs after a 14-day lay-off since its last game when the team faces Louisiana Lafayette on Thursday night in the Cajundome.
The contest kicks off the second half of the Trojans' schedule, which is composed entirely of Sun Belt Conference games. Tip-off is set for 7:05 pm.
Troy (2-11, 0-1) is eager to get back on the court after a disappointing showing in its final game before the holiday break. The Trojans shot just 19 percent from the field and failed to have a player score in double-figures for the first time since 1997 as they fell 80-39 to Utah State on December 23.
The Trojans are also expected to welcome back senior guard Vernon Taylor, the club's leading scorer (15.3 ppg). The Cross, S.C.-native missed Troy's last two games in Utah with a high ankle sprain suffered in the 102-99 overtime victory over Western Michigan.
One bright spot for Troy in World Vision Invitational hosted by USU was the all-around play of sophomore Will Weathers. Weathers had a pair of double-doubles and averaged 10.0 apg along with 7.3 ppg and 6.3 rpg en route to being named a member of the all-tournamen team.
Weathers currently leads the Sun Belt in assists (6.3/gm), steals (2.2/gm) and minutes played (34.7/gm).
Troy's competition will be another league member also struggling in the first half of the season. Under new head coach Bob Marlin, the Ragin' Cajuns have posted an identical 2-11 record, including dropping their first two Sun Belt games.
The most recent defeat came on Saturday, 80-63, at the hands of conference favorite North Texas.
Louisiana Lafayette is led by junior guard Josh Brown (13.6 ppg). Fifth-year seniors Randell Daigle (2.9 apg) and Travis Bureau (5.6 rpg) are providing key components.
In the only match-up between the two teams last season, Troy fell 69-54 in that match-up, thanks in large part to 21 points by UL's eventual Sun Belt Player of the Year Tyren Johnson.
The Trojans are 4-5 all-time against Louisiana Lafayette, but do hold a 3-2 mark in games played in the Cajundome. Troy last won in Lafayette on February 26, 2009 by a final score of 81-67.
Barry McKnight will bring you all the action from courtside on the Troy Sports Network by IMG College beginning at 6:30 pm with the State Farm Pregame Show.
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Monday, March 30
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NCAA Tournament First Round Pre-game Press Conference
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SBC Championship Postgame Press Conference (Scott Cross, Victor Valdes, Thomas Dowd) - No. 10 Georgia Southern
Tuesday, March 10