Trojans Cruise to 110-71 Exhibition Win

Monday, October 28

Troy, Ala.

7:00 p.m.

Troy University

110

West Florida (Exh.)

Photo by: Cass Davis

10/28/2013 9:46:00 PM | Basketball (W)

By: Matt Mays

Box Score | Photo Gallery | 2013-14 Schedule

TROY, Ala. – The Troy women's basketball team took control early and cruised to a 110-71 win over West Florida in an exhibition game at Trojan Arena on Monday night.

"It's great to get this first game under our belt," Troy head coach Chanda Rigby said. "There's been so much excitement about our team and we're just glad to get this first game behind us. We came out and shot very well in the first half. To do that, with the first game jitters in front of a home crowd, makes me happy."

Troy raced out to a 32-8 lead in the first eight minutes, shooting 70.6 percent while forcing 11 turnovers. After that initial burst, the Trojans never looked back as their fast-paced system led to 24 points off of 26 UWF turnovers on the way to a 39-point win over Division II Argonauts.

Ashley Beverly-Kelley led all scorers with 24 points on 11-of-16 shooting. She was one of four Trojans in double figures as Joanna Harden posted 20, Brooke Bowie had 13 and Kourtney Coleman recorded 10.

The Troy offense wasn't the only storyline as the Trojans held West Florida scoreless for six minutes in the second half, using a 13-0 run to take a 100-61 lead. Aissata Maiga's free throw with 3:38 to go capped the run and put the Trojans at their goal of 100 points.

Troy shot 48.3 percent (43-of-89) in the game after hitting 57.1 percent (24-of-42) in the first half. The Trojans went to the free throw line nearly twice as many times as the Argonauts, hitting 16-of-23 to UWF's 7-of-12.

West Florida shot 40.3 percent (31-of-77) in the game and was led by Jaymie Druding's 14 points and five rebounds. The Trojans held West Florida to just 2-of-10 from behind the arc while hitting 8-of-25 themselves.

The Trojans outrebounded West Florida, 57-41, with Ronita Garrett and Chant Lewis leading the way for Troy with seven boards each. All 11 Trojans that dressed scored, while all 11 also grabbed a board in a balanced rebounding effort.

The Trojans open the regular season next Friday, November 8, at Alabama State. Troy will play its home opener on Monday, November 11, against Florida A&M in the first half of a men's-women's doubleheader.

For more information on Troy Athletics, visit TroyTrojans. Fans can find Troy on Twitter and Instagram at @TroyAthletics and on Facebook at Facebook.com/TroyAthletics.