Troy Drops Rivalry Contest

Saturday, February 23

Troy, Ala.

4:15 p.m.

Troy University

11-15, 4-10SBC

South Alabama

13-14, 6-8SBC

South Alabama

Troy

2/23/2019 7:20:00 PM | Basketball (M)

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

By: Troy Athletics Communications

Troy, Ala. – Troy dug itself into a hole in the first half that it could not overcome in a 68-52 loss to South Alabama in Sun Belt Conference men's basketball action in Trojan Arena on Saturday evening.

The Trojans (11-15, 4-10 Sun Belt) struggled from behind the arc converting only 27.3 percent (6-of-22) from deep when they tried to adjust to the Jaguars' (13-14, 6-8 Sun Belt) tough zone defense.

Senior Alex Hicks posted a double double in a season-high 21 points with 13 boards alongside two blocks. Sophomore Javan Johnson added 13 points on 3-of-4 shooting from behind the arc with three rebounds and a block.

Troy battled with South early in the first half as there were six lead changes and two ties over the first 6:29. South grabbed a 21-12 lead, but the Trojans used an 8-0 run to bring the score to 21-20 at 6:02.

The Jaguars responded with an 11-0 that led to a 32-22 halftime lead. Troy was unable to answer South's momentum into the break and did not come closer than eight points for the remainder of the game.

Junior Josh Ajayi led the Jaguars with 18 points while junior Trhae Mitchell posted 16 points and 14 rebounds.

QUOTING COACH CUNNINGHAM
"We never could get anything going offensively in the first half. We made one good run to cut the lead to one point, but we let them extend the lead going into halftime. In the second half we cut it to eight early on, but we never could get back into it after that."

QUICK HITS
- Hicks' double double marked his fifth this season and his third 20-point game this season
- Johnson has scored in double figures in seven of the last eight games
- Senior BJ Miller tied his career high with five steals

UP NEXT
Troy will round out its home schedule when it welcomes Texas State and UTA to Trojan Arena on Thursday and Saturday, respectively. Thursday's game is set for 6 p.m. while Saturday's matchup is slated for 2 p.m. with both games broadcast live on ESPN+.