Trojans Struggle Early, Fall at UAB

Thursday, November 14

Birmingham, Ala.

7 p.m.

Troy University

1-2

UAB

3-0

TROY

UAB

Photo by: Jimmy Mitchell

11/14/2013 9:29:00 PM | Basketball (M)

Box Score

By: Joe St. Pierre

Box Score

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A slow start by the Trojans proved to be too much to overcome, as Troy (1-2) fell at UAB (3-0), 69-81, at Bartow Arena on Thursday night.

"We never could get that key defensive rebound that we needed to try to make a run," said head coach Phil Cunningham. "That's certainly our biggest problem right now."

The Trojans began the game 1-of-12 and could not recover, as the Blazers took a 26-6 lead midway through the first half.

Troy mounted a furious comeback in the first half, cutting the advantage from 20 points down to six, before giving up four straight points heading into the break. The Trojans fought hard in the second, cutting the lead to single digits several times, but couldn't get closer than six.

"The first half we got off to such a slow start," Cunningham said. "To their credit, they got it going toward the end of that first half."

Kevin Thomas continued to impress, leading the Trojans with 19 points and seven boards. Hunter Williams scored in double-figures yet again, finishing with 14 points, while Wes Hinton scored 11 points.

Troy shot 40.3 percent (29-of-72) from the field and 30.4 percent (7-of-23) from deep. The Blazers were 30-of-60 (50 %) from the field and 5-of-13 (38.5 %) from range. Troy was outrebounded 53-24 on the night, including 14-8 on the offensive glass.

Troy gets some much needed rest, before facing Nicholls State on Tuesday night in Trojan Arena at 7 p.m.

Fans can keep up with all the action by following Troy men's basketball on Twitter at @TroyMensHoops and on Instagram at @TroyHoops.

For more information on all of Troy Athletics, fans can find the Trojans on Twitter and Instagram at @TroyAthletics, or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/TroyAthletics.