Troy Drops Thriller In Season Opener

Friday, November 10

Honolulu, Hawai'i

8:30 P.M.

Troy University

0-1

North Dakota

1-0

TROY

North Dakota

11/10/2017 11:16:00 PM | Basketball (M)

Box Score

By: Russ Schaffer

Box Score

HONOLULU, Hawai'i – Despite 25 points from Wesley Person and 24 from Jordon Varnado, Troy was unable to come out on top in the season opener in an 83-80 loss to North Dakota on Friday.

It was the only season opening game between two conference champions and it certainly lived up to the label. Both teams shot more than 40 percent in a game that had 16 lead changes and was tied at seven different points.

The Trojans trailed by two with 54 seconds left with possession belonging to the Fighting Hawks, but Troy kept hope alive by forcing an errant shot from North Dakota to get the ball back with 25 seconds to play.

Juan Davis, Jr., was off the mark on the ensuing possession but was fouled in the process to get the opportunity to tie or take the lead with 13 seconds remaining. The senior hit two-of-three to force North Dakota to go the length of the court with no timeouts.

With just three seconds remaining, Geno Crandall, who had 41 points on the night, was fouled by B.J. Miller on a 3-point attempt. Crandall hit all three and Troy was unable to get a desperation shot off to force overtime.

QUOTABLE
"I thought it was two very good teams going at it," head coach Phil Cunningham said. "I don't think either team was anywhere near midseason form, but it was a very competitive back-and-forth game. We had the lead in the first half and they fought back then they had a lead and we fought back.

"The difference in the game was obviously Crandall. He had the game of his life. We tried man and zone, but he was just phenomenal. I hate to see the game end on a play like that. I haven't seen the video yet, but that's a tough way for a game to end."

UP NEXT
Troy will have the day off on Saturday before regrouping to face Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. (CT).

NOTEWORTHY
• A key difference in the outcome was 3-point shooting as Troy was 27.3 percent from three (6-22) while North Dakota sot 46.2 percent (12-26).

• The loss snapped the Trojans streak of three-straight season opening wins.

• Troy had more rebounds, second-chance points, points in the paint and bench points.

For more information on Troy men's basketball visit TroyTrojans.com or follow the team on social media at @TroyMensHoops.