Second Half Outburst Not Enough, as Trojans Fall to ULM

Thursday, February 13

Troy, Ala.

6 p.m.

Troy University

9-17,5-10Sun Belt

ULM

7-17,3-12Sun Belt

La.-Monroe

Troy

Photo by: Chris Davis

Second Half Outburst Not Enough, as Trojans Fall to ULM

2/13/2020 9:12:00 PM | Basketball (M)

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

By: Troy Athletics Communications

TROY, Ala. -- Despite going on 13-6 run late in the second half and scoring 52 overall points, the Troy Trojans men's basketball program fell to the ULM Warhawks 74-71 Thursday night at Trojan Arena.

The Trojans, who trailed 37-19 with 19:51 remaining in the game, cut the Warhawks lead to just three points twice and to two points once, but couldn't find the game-tying basket down the stretch.

In defeat, four different Trojans reached double-figures including Nick Stampley who notched his first-career double-double (12 points, 10 rebounds) and Tahj Small who scored 12 points (ties career-high) and grabbed nine rebounds.

The Trojans (9-17, 5-10 Sun Belt Conference) outscored ULM (7-17, 3-12 Sun Belt Conference) 52-40 in the second half behind 55.6 (15-of-27) percent shooting from the field. The Trojans hit 7-of-14 3-pointers in the second period.

Troy opened the game on a mini 9-4 run, hitting 3-of-5 from the field over the first four minutes of play.

The Warhawks then used a 30-10 run over the remaining 15:53 of the half, as Troy shot just 2-of-21 from the field. The run gave ULM a 34-19 advantage at the break.

After a 3-pointer from Tyree White (10 points) gave the visitors a 37-19 advantage just eight seconds into the half, the Trojans responded with an 11-2 run the next 3:22 to cut the ULM lead to just 39-32 with 15:01 remaining.

As they did most of the night, the Warhawks responded, holding Troy to just five points over the next five minutes and 18 seconds to take a 51-37 lead with 8:14 left in the game.

Troy used a quick 10-3 outburst over the next 1:51, highlighted by a Small 3-pointer, that cut the visitors lead to just 54-47 with 6:03 remaining.

Following a 10-4 ULM run that increased the Trojan deficit to 13 (64-51) with just 4:03 remaining, Troy seized the momentum.

Behind a 12-3 run over the next 2:19, the Trojans cut the ULM advantage to just 67-63 with 1:33 remaining. The run featured a pair of and-one opportunities from Stampley and Desmond Williams (8 points, 6 assists).

After a Michael Ertel bucket gave ULM a 69-63 advantage with 1:05 to play, the Trojans answered four seconds later with a KJ Simon 3-pointer (12 points) that cut the deficit to just 69-66.

With the crowd roaring, Stampley slide in and drew a charging foul that turned the ball over to Troy with 30 seconds remaining.

With the shot clock off, Williams had a good look from three that just missed. ULM secured the rebound and Erie Olonade (14 points) was fouled with nine seconds to play.

Olonade went on to hit both free-throw attempts, giving the visitors a 73-68 lead with nine seconds to go. On the ensuing Trojan possession, Williams nailed a triple that cut the Warhawks lead to 73-71 with four seconds to play.

Out of timeouts, ULM was able to in bound the basketball to Olondae who was fouled just before a tie-up occurred. When the foul was called, the Trojans had the possession arrow, and would have been awarded possession with a couple of seconds to go.

For the Warhawks, four players reached double figures led by Ertle who scored 23 points (16 first half points).

The Trojans return to action Saturday night when Louisiana visits Trojan Arena for a crucial matchup. Troy and the Ragin' Cajuns are currently tied for the 10^th and final Sun Belt playoff spot. Tip-off for the senior night contest is set for 6 p.m.

HEAD COACH SCOTT CROSS:
"I think tonight came down to our defensive effort more than our offensive effort. Our starters were defending perfectly and then we subbed at the first media timeout. After the timeout, our intensity dropped, and ULM hit about six shots in row. At that point we start missing and we weren't defending them at all. That first half run they had was the difference in the game. It was really disappointing to see that we had energy and were defending and then it completely dropped off. There are a few players that we need more out of. That's the bottom line. Nick [Stampley] and Tahj [Small] played incredibly hard. Dez [Williams] was defending and Chuck [Norman] was playing hard too. Those guys played so hard and fought, which gave us an opportunity to get back in the game and have a chance to win it. It was disappointing the way it went down tonight. Toughness wins, that's the bottom line. And tonight, ULM was the tougher team. We didn't deserve to win this game. They came in and took it from us which is very disappointing as a coach."

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
• Stampley recorded his first career double-double. The 10 rebounds were one shy of his career-high (11, vs. Carver).
• Small recorded his sixth game in double figures since Jan. 2 (11 games).
• His 12 points tie his career high set back on Feb. 7.
• The Trojans 52 points are the most they have scored in a second half since they scored 60 against Shorter University (Nov. 30).
• Troy's 19 points were the fewest they have scored this season. Troy's previous low was at Samford (Nov. 23) when they scored just 22 points.
• The Trojans have allowed just 97 points in the second half the last three games.
• Troy shot just 22-of-35 from the line.
• The Trojans are now just 1-12 when shooting below 70 percent from the line.
• Troy outscored ULM 15-3 in second chance points.
• Troy had 12 offensive rebounds (7 by Stampley).
• The Trojans recorded 8 assists and just 4 turnovers in the second half.