Trojans Drop SBC Contest to WKU

Saturday, January 4

Troy, Ala.

12 p.m.

Troy University

5-9, 0-2SBC

Western Kentucky

10-5, 2-0SBC

WKU

TROY

Photo by: Chris Davis

1/4/2014 2:48:00 PM | Basketball (M)

Box Score

By: Joe St. Pierre

Box Score

TROY, Ala. – A strong second half push wasn't enough, as Troy (5-9, 0-2 SBC) was defeated by Western Kentucky (10-5, 2-0 SBC), 60-51, at home on Saturday afternoon.

"I thought we let the game get away from us in the second half. We went toe-to-two with them in the first half, but they hit us in the mouth early in the second half and I don't think we responded very well."

The Trojans used a late push to cut the WKU lead to just six points in the final minute, but the Hilltoppers hit 6-of-7 free throws down the stretch to hold the lead.

Troy came out hot in the second half, taking its first lead of the game at 28-27 after a pair of 3's by Jeff Mullahey and Tevin Calhoun. The Hilltoppers took advantage of their opportunities after that, growing the lead to as many as 17 points.

Calhoun led the Trojans with 11 points and nine rebounds. Mullahey and Antoine Myers each added eight points.

The Trojans and the Hilltoppers each grabbed 41 rebounds on the night. Troy picked up 17 offensive boards.

Shooting was an issue for Troy, as the Trojans shot 28.3 percent (17-of-60) from the field and 35.3 percent (6-of-17) from 3-point range. WKU shot 47.2 percent (25-of-53) from the field and 15.4 percent (2-of-13) from range.

Western Kentucky got out to an early 9-0 lead, but the Trojans fought back with a 15-5 run to take their first lead with five minutes to play in the half. The Hilltoppers closed out the first half with a quick run of their own, taking a 21-17 advantage in to the break.

Next up for the Trojans is a two-game trip to Arkansas to face Arkansas State on Thursday and UALR on Saturday. Check back with TroyTrojans.com next week for all the gameday info.

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.