Troy University Athletics
Friday, January 15
Statesboro, Ga.
5 p.m.
Troy University
at
Georgia Southern
Troy Continues Six-Game Road Trip Friday and Saturday at Georgia Southern
1/14/2021 10:14:00 AM | Basketball (M)
TROY, Ala. – For the first time in 13 days, the Troy men's basketball program is set to return to action, traveling to Statesboro for a two-game series at Georgia Southern. Originally scheduled to host Georgia State a weekend ago, the Trojans instead saw the weekend set postponed due to COVID-19 concerns inside the Panthers program.
Friday's matchup will tip-off at 5 p.m. Central, while the series finale is set for 2 p.m. Central.
Following the weekend set with the Eagles, the Trojans close out the longest road trip of the season next weekend at Coastal Carolina.
HOW TO FOLLOW (Friday):
TROY (6-5 Overall, 1-1 Sun Belt) at Georgia Southern (7-6 Overall, 1-3 Sun Belt)
Date: Jan. 15, 2021
Location: Statesboro, Ga.
Time: 5 p.m. Central
Live Video: Watch
Stats: Stats
Listen: Listen
HOW TO FOLLOW (Saturday):
TROY (6-5 Overall, 1-1 Sun Belt) at Georgia Southern (7-6 Overall, 1-3 Sun Belt)
Date: Jan. 16, 2021
Location: Statesboro, Ga.
Time: 2 p.m. Central
Live Video: Watch
Stats: Stats
Listen: Listen
THE WEEK THAT WAS (Troy- 6-5, 1-1):
The Trojans return to action Friday and Saturday afternoon for the first time in 13 days and for just the fourth time since Dec. 20. Troy split its lone two Sun Belt Conference contests of the season two weeks ago at Appalachian State. In Friday's opener the Trojans rode 69 points to a 13-point victory. In that game, Nick Stampley and Khalyl Waters contributed 17 points each, while freshman Christian Turner and Desmond Williams each contributed eight. The Trojans shot an impressive 13-of-22 from the floor in the second half (59.1 percent) and 26-for-50 overall (52 percent). Troy led for 36:50 and never trailed in the wire-to-wire victory. On Saturday, Appalachian State rode a quick 17-4 start to a wire-to-wire victory over the Trojans. In that contest, Stampley scored a career-best 19 points.
THE WEEK THAT WAS (Georgia Southern- 7-6, 1-3):
The Georgia Southern Eagles enter the weekend series coming off getting swept at Appalachian State. In the Friday contest the Eagles raced out to a 16-point second half advantage, taking a late 64-63 with just 8.3 ticks remaining. Georgia Southern's attempt from Prince Toyambi to take the lead with around a second to play rolled off the rim and into Justin Forrest's arms. Forrest nailed both free throws to seal the Mountaineer victory. Toyambi finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds in that contest for his first-career double-double. On Saturday afternoon, it was the Eagles who mounted a furious late comeback using a 9-3 run to tie the game at 71 with 99 seconds to play. After GS forced a turnover, Toyambi's errant shot found the hands of Elijah McCadden who was stripped by Donovan Gregory. After securing the loose ball Gregory reaced down the floor, converting a layup with 54.3 seconds to go that gave App a 73-71 advantage. On the ensuing GS possession, Eric Boone's 3-pointer from the wing just rimmed out, forcing the Eagles to foul. App State went on to hit four straight from the line, holding on for a 77-71 weekend sweep. In the contest Boone and McCadden led the way for Georgia Southern, as the duo each scored 14 points. So far this season three different Southern players are averaging in double figures, led by UAB transfer Zack Brent (14.4 points) and the aforementioned Boone and McCadden. Former TCU signee Kaden Archie is fourth on the Eagles in scoring, averaging just a tick (9.9 points) below double-figures. Bryant did not play for Georgia Southern on Saturday and his availability for Friday's contest is unknown.
STORYLINES:
SEE YOU SOON
Troy saw its weekend series against Georgia State postponed due to COVID-19 issues inside the Panthers' program. The two sides are trying to make up the two games that were postponed.
ROAD WARRIORS
Troy continues its second 25+ day stretch without a home game this weekend at Georgia Southern. After seeing last weekends Sun Belt home opener against Ga State postponed, the Trojans will now play their first six games of Sun Belt play on the road (App, GS and CCU). After seeing the season/home-opener canceled against Middle Ga State, the Trojans instead opened with five straight neutral/road contests (WCU, UNCW, at TTU, at UAB and at UNA). The Trojans are scheduled to return to Trojan Arena for a pair of games against App State on Jan. 29 and 30.
Third time is the charm?
The Trojans have won both of the front-ends of back-to-backs this season. Troy defeated Western Carolina back on Nov. 27 and defeated App State last Friday. Troy is however 0-2 on the second half of the back-to-back having dropped games against UNCW and App State.
LEAVING HIS STAMP
Senior Nick Stampley is averaging 10.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game this season. Stamp has reached double-figures in five straight contests (16.4/game in that span) and scored a career-best 19 at App State on Friday. The senior is also averaging 9.0 rebounds and has made at least one three in all five games.
A WHOLE LOT OF FREE THROWS
Troy converted on 36 of its 44 free throw attempts against Samford. The 36 made free throws are the most in Troy's D-I history. The Troy program record for free throws made in a game was 41 against Auburn-Montgomery back in 1992. The Trojans are 4-1 this season when attempting at least 20 free throws. The lone loss was Dec. 6 at UAB.
ALL BARK NO BITE
In just the programs third matchup in the last 17 years, the Trojans defeated Samford Wednesday night for the first time since 2003. In the wire-to-wire victory, the Trojans held the dangerous Samford attack to a season-low 71 points and five total 3-pointers made. Coming into the contest, the Bulldogs had scored at least 75 points in every game this season.
Roaring Waters
Senior Khalyl Waters continues to impress this season. The combo guard is averaging 9.6 points this season and is shooting an impressive 42-of-45 (93.3%) percent from the line. Waters has recorded at least 20 points in two of his last four games. Waters scored a career-best 21 against Samford on Dec. 16. Waters 93.3 percent mark from the line is the seventh-best in the country (min 30 attempts) and leads the Sun Belt Conference.
SAY ZAY!
Junior Zay Williams continues to be a force for the Trojans inside. Williams is averaging 11.0 points and 7.5 rebounds a game this season. The forward has scored at least 10 points in six of Troy's 11 games. Troy is 3-12 the last two seasons when Zay doesn't play (12-16 when he does). Troy is 5-1 when Zay scores at least 10 points. Troy is just 1-4 when he doesn't.
HIT THE GLASS
The Trojans had two players record double-digit rebounds- Z. Williams and Stampley in two of the last three games. Last Sunday Williams recorded 13 rebounds while Stampley had 10. On Wednesday, Williams again had 13 rebounds while Stampley had 12. Sunday's instance was the first time Troy had two double-digit rebounders since Jordon Varnado (11) and Alex Hicks (14) each had at least 10 rebounds back on Jan. 26, 2019 against Louisiana.
DEFENSE HAS LED To WINS
The Trojans were 7-1 last season when they held teams to 65 points or fewer. Troy's lone loss when holding a team below that mark was at Texas A&M (56-52, loss). The Trojans were also 8-1 last season when holding an opponent to less than 40 percent shooting. Wednesday's win over Samford is the first time that Troy won when a team shot better than 40 percent from the field and scored more than 65 (1-3). So far this season Troy is 5-0 when holding a team below 65 points and 5-0 when holding teams below 40 percent shooting.
REP THE 'T'
Head coach Scott Cross preaches the mantra that the toughest team always wins. So far this season Troy has taken 32 total charges in 11 games. The Trojans have taken at least two charges in every game except the UNCW game where they failed to take one. Troy took 80 charges in 31 games a season ago. Nick Stampley took 32 of those 80 (40 percent).
Friday's matchup will tip-off at 5 p.m. Central, while the series finale is set for 2 p.m. Central.
Following the weekend set with the Eagles, the Trojans close out the longest road trip of the season next weekend at Coastal Carolina.
HOW TO FOLLOW (Friday):
TROY (6-5 Overall, 1-1 Sun Belt) at Georgia Southern (7-6 Overall, 1-3 Sun Belt)
Date: Jan. 15, 2021
Location: Statesboro, Ga.
Time: 5 p.m. Central
Live Video: Watch
Stats: Stats
Listen: Listen
HOW TO FOLLOW (Saturday):
TROY (6-5 Overall, 1-1 Sun Belt) at Georgia Southern (7-6 Overall, 1-3 Sun Belt)
Date: Jan. 16, 2021
Location: Statesboro, Ga.
Time: 2 p.m. Central
Live Video: Watch
Stats: Stats
Listen: Listen
THE WEEK THAT WAS (Troy- 6-5, 1-1):
The Trojans return to action Friday and Saturday afternoon for the first time in 13 days and for just the fourth time since Dec. 20. Troy split its lone two Sun Belt Conference contests of the season two weeks ago at Appalachian State. In Friday's opener the Trojans rode 69 points to a 13-point victory. In that game, Nick Stampley and Khalyl Waters contributed 17 points each, while freshman Christian Turner and Desmond Williams each contributed eight. The Trojans shot an impressive 13-of-22 from the floor in the second half (59.1 percent) and 26-for-50 overall (52 percent). Troy led for 36:50 and never trailed in the wire-to-wire victory. On Saturday, Appalachian State rode a quick 17-4 start to a wire-to-wire victory over the Trojans. In that contest, Stampley scored a career-best 19 points.
THE WEEK THAT WAS (Georgia Southern- 7-6, 1-3):
The Georgia Southern Eagles enter the weekend series coming off getting swept at Appalachian State. In the Friday contest the Eagles raced out to a 16-point second half advantage, taking a late 64-63 with just 8.3 ticks remaining. Georgia Southern's attempt from Prince Toyambi to take the lead with around a second to play rolled off the rim and into Justin Forrest's arms. Forrest nailed both free throws to seal the Mountaineer victory. Toyambi finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds in that contest for his first-career double-double. On Saturday afternoon, it was the Eagles who mounted a furious late comeback using a 9-3 run to tie the game at 71 with 99 seconds to play. After GS forced a turnover, Toyambi's errant shot found the hands of Elijah McCadden who was stripped by Donovan Gregory. After securing the loose ball Gregory reaced down the floor, converting a layup with 54.3 seconds to go that gave App a 73-71 advantage. On the ensuing GS possession, Eric Boone's 3-pointer from the wing just rimmed out, forcing the Eagles to foul. App State went on to hit four straight from the line, holding on for a 77-71 weekend sweep. In the contest Boone and McCadden led the way for Georgia Southern, as the duo each scored 14 points. So far this season three different Southern players are averaging in double figures, led by UAB transfer Zack Brent (14.4 points) and the aforementioned Boone and McCadden. Former TCU signee Kaden Archie is fourth on the Eagles in scoring, averaging just a tick (9.9 points) below double-figures. Bryant did not play for Georgia Southern on Saturday and his availability for Friday's contest is unknown.
STORYLINES:
SEE YOU SOON
Troy saw its weekend series against Georgia State postponed due to COVID-19 issues inside the Panthers' program. The two sides are trying to make up the two games that were postponed.
ROAD WARRIORS
Troy continues its second 25+ day stretch without a home game this weekend at Georgia Southern. After seeing last weekends Sun Belt home opener against Ga State postponed, the Trojans will now play their first six games of Sun Belt play on the road (App, GS and CCU). After seeing the season/home-opener canceled against Middle Ga State, the Trojans instead opened with five straight neutral/road contests (WCU, UNCW, at TTU, at UAB and at UNA). The Trojans are scheduled to return to Trojan Arena for a pair of games against App State on Jan. 29 and 30.
Third time is the charm?
The Trojans have won both of the front-ends of back-to-backs this season. Troy defeated Western Carolina back on Nov. 27 and defeated App State last Friday. Troy is however 0-2 on the second half of the back-to-back having dropped games against UNCW and App State.
LEAVING HIS STAMP
Senior Nick Stampley is averaging 10.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game this season. Stamp has reached double-figures in five straight contests (16.4/game in that span) and scored a career-best 19 at App State on Friday. The senior is also averaging 9.0 rebounds and has made at least one three in all five games.
A WHOLE LOT OF FREE THROWS
Troy converted on 36 of its 44 free throw attempts against Samford. The 36 made free throws are the most in Troy's D-I history. The Troy program record for free throws made in a game was 41 against Auburn-Montgomery back in 1992. The Trojans are 4-1 this season when attempting at least 20 free throws. The lone loss was Dec. 6 at UAB.
ALL BARK NO BITE
In just the programs third matchup in the last 17 years, the Trojans defeated Samford Wednesday night for the first time since 2003. In the wire-to-wire victory, the Trojans held the dangerous Samford attack to a season-low 71 points and five total 3-pointers made. Coming into the contest, the Bulldogs had scored at least 75 points in every game this season.
Roaring Waters
Senior Khalyl Waters continues to impress this season. The combo guard is averaging 9.6 points this season and is shooting an impressive 42-of-45 (93.3%) percent from the line. Waters has recorded at least 20 points in two of his last four games. Waters scored a career-best 21 against Samford on Dec. 16. Waters 93.3 percent mark from the line is the seventh-best in the country (min 30 attempts) and leads the Sun Belt Conference.
SAY ZAY!
Junior Zay Williams continues to be a force for the Trojans inside. Williams is averaging 11.0 points and 7.5 rebounds a game this season. The forward has scored at least 10 points in six of Troy's 11 games. Troy is 3-12 the last two seasons when Zay doesn't play (12-16 when he does). Troy is 5-1 when Zay scores at least 10 points. Troy is just 1-4 when he doesn't.
HIT THE GLASS
The Trojans had two players record double-digit rebounds- Z. Williams and Stampley in two of the last three games. Last Sunday Williams recorded 13 rebounds while Stampley had 10. On Wednesday, Williams again had 13 rebounds while Stampley had 12. Sunday's instance was the first time Troy had two double-digit rebounders since Jordon Varnado (11) and Alex Hicks (14) each had at least 10 rebounds back on Jan. 26, 2019 against Louisiana.
DEFENSE HAS LED To WINS
The Trojans were 7-1 last season when they held teams to 65 points or fewer. Troy's lone loss when holding a team below that mark was at Texas A&M (56-52, loss). The Trojans were also 8-1 last season when holding an opponent to less than 40 percent shooting. Wednesday's win over Samford is the first time that Troy won when a team shot better than 40 percent from the field and scored more than 65 (1-3). So far this season Troy is 5-0 when holding a team below 65 points and 5-0 when holding teams below 40 percent shooting.
REP THE 'T'
Head coach Scott Cross preaches the mantra that the toughest team always wins. So far this season Troy has taken 32 total charges in 11 games. The Trojans have taken at least two charges in every game except the UNCW game where they failed to take one. Troy took 80 charges in 31 games a season ago. Nick Stampley took 32 of those 80 (40 percent).
Players Mentioned
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