Troy Falls to MTSU in a Close OT Finish

Thursday, January 5

Troy, Ala.

5:15 p.m.

Troy University

Middle Tennessee State University

Photo by: Edward Fieder

1/5/2012 7:51:00 PM | Basketball (W)

It took the Blue Raiders extra minutes to overcome a strong Troy shooting surge at home on Thursday.

By: Ben Maxwell

Box Score | Game Recap | Photo Gallery

Troy, Ala. – Troy women's basketball fell to the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders 72-66 in overtime at home on Thursday. The Trojans had their best shooting performance all season against the top conference seated Blue Raiders.

“We took our time and didn't get in a hurry,” said head coach Michael Murphy. “We've been more focused on slowing the game down and by doing that we give ourselves a chance to see what's available.”

Despite a slow start from both teams as a total of seven turnovers were committed in the first four minutes by both teams, the Trojans went on a shooting rampage. The Trojans were able to fight off the aggressive Middle Tennessee full-court pressure to shoot 50% from the field while the Blue Raiders struggled shooting 33%. The high percentage gave Troy a 27-19 lead going into half time; their first halftime lead this season.

Dominique Ross made her presence felt in the first half. The sophomore forward who had only totaled 16 points all season racked up seven points in just the first half shooting 3-3 from the field and 1-1 from the free throw line.

The Trojans shooting streak would remain strong throughout the second half as they shot exactly 50% again. However the Blue Raiders improved their shooting percentage coming out of half time shooting 41%.

The Trojans would struggle with lead changes throughout the second half but with help from a last second jumper from DeAngela Sword and a missed Middle Tennessee free throw, the Trojans would be forced to face their second overtime game of the season.

In overtime Middle Tennessee found there rhythm shooting as they outscored the Trojans 14-8 in just the extra time making the final score 72-66 with the Raiders on top.

“I'm really proud of our effort,” said Murphy. “We put together two really good halves against a really good team. We have the utmost respect for Middle Tennessee and what they do on the court. I'm really proud of our kids and how they executed the defensive game plan. We just came up short at the free throw line there at the end. Overall I'm happy with how we prepared and how we executed.”

Troy will now only have a short time to prepare for their next opponent as they travel to Bowling Green, Kentucky to take on Western Kentucky. Tipoff is set for 1 pm.

Follow TroyTrojans.com for all women's basketball updates. Fans can also get up to the minute updates of the contest by following TroyTrojans.com on Twitter: @TroyAthletics.