Troy Unable to Rebound Against High Shooting WKU

Saturday, January 7

Bowling Green, Ky.

1:00 p.m.

Troy University

Western Kentucky University

Photo by: Kevin Glackmeyer

Troy Unable to Rebound Against High Shooting WKU

1/7/2012 2:52:00 PM | Basketball (W)

The Trojans fell to WKU on the road on Saturday 64-38

By: Ben Maxwell

Box Score | Game Recap

Bowling Green, Ky. – Troy (1-14, 0-4) women's basketball was unable to counter the high shooting percentage of Western Kentucky (5-10, 3-1) in their loss to the Hilltoppers on the road Saturday. The Hilltoppers posted the best shooting percentage than any other opponent Troy has faced this season, shooting 48% on their way to a 64-38 win over the Trojans.

“We got off to such a slow start offensively we put ourselves behind the eight ball a little bit,” said head coach Michael Murphy. “We got out rebounded by only three, but it is a 'hustle stat' and you cannot rebound the ball without working hard. Fatigue was also a major factor. After playing Thursday and then having to get on the bus and play today was a factor. We just need to find a way to manage playing Thursday and Saturday and go from there. I am proud of our effort, our girls worked hard all game we just got off to a slow start.”

The contest was a slow start for both teams as the Hilltoppers lead only 2-0 going into the first media timeout. The Hilltoppers found their mark after the timeout going on a 10 point run and causing six Troy turnovers before the Trojans would record a basket.

The Trojans would not quit working as they answered back with a seven point run of their own going into the fourth media timeout. However, the Trojans would not be able to catch the WKU pace in the first half as they went into the locker room at half time trailing the Hilltoppers 32-13.

The second half would not offer much change for the Trojans as they still failed to find their mark shooting. Despite totaling only two less shots than their opponent the Trojans only found the net on 32% of their tries. The Hilltoppers went on to defeat the Trojans 64-38.

Despite the loss, seniors DeAngela Sword and Tenia Manuel were still able to hit the double-digit scoring mark for Troy.

“We have a week off which is what we really need,” said Murphy. “It will give us a chance to rejuvenate and recharge. It really is tough for our players to keep playing games so close together consistently. Having time off will help us from a physical stand point.”

The Trojans now get a full week off before taking on instate conference rival South Alabama Saturday Jan. 14^th at home in Sartain Hall. Tip off between the Trojans and the Jaguars is set for 5:15 pm.