Troy University Athletics

Men's Hoops Opens League Play at Texas State
12/29/2021 11:00:00 AM | Basketball (M)
TROY, Ala. - Following a gritty victory at Mercer before the holiday break, the Troy men's basketball team opens Sun Belt Conference play with its matchup at defending Sun Belt regular season champion Texas State on Thursday at 7 p.m. in Strahan Arena.Â
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Troy is looking to finish out 2021 on a winning note as it enters the game on a four-game winning streak in a continuation of its best start since the 2003-04 season. Â
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This will be the first of a two-game series in Texas for the Trojans as they will wrap up 2021 and begin 2022 in Texas state lines. Â
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Last Time OutÂ
The Trojans were victorious over the Mercer Bears to capture their fourth win in a row, 69-65. Desmond Williams was the top scorer for the Trojans, capturing a season-high 21 points on five three-pointers. The victory was the first by an opponent on Mercer's home court this year and the first by a Sun Belt opponent against the Bears, who have victories over Georgia State, Georgia Southern and Coastal Carolina.
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Khalyl Waters followed suit, capturing a season-high 19 points. 10 of them came from the free throw line as Waters was perfect from the charity stripe. Â
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Follow us to TexasÂ
Location: San Marcos, Texas - Strahan ArenaÂ
The Matchup:Â Troy (9-4) vs. Texas State (9-3)Â
When: Thursday, December 30 – 7 p.m.Â
Watch:Â ESPN+Â Â
Listen: Troy Sports Radio Network - gotroy.us/30NheduÂ
Live Stats:Â Troystats.comÂ
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Series DetailsÂ
Texas St. leads the series 8-5.Â
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The last time these teams played, the Trojans pulled off the 71-63 victory over the Bobcats. Leading 29-28 at halftime, the Trojans came out swinging as they knocked down back-to-back shots from deep, including one from Williams. Â
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Troy controlled the lead for the remainder of the ballgame, with Ty Gordon leading the way with 16 points on 6-of-12 shooting.Â
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Previewing the BobcatsÂ
The Bobcats of Texas State will enter Thursday's game at 9-3 following an 80-47 loss to #13/#14 ranked Houston last Wednesday. Texas State will also start its Sun Belt Conference play in this matchup versus Troy. Â
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Caleb Asberry leads the way in scoring for the Bobcats averaging 13.3 points on 44.8 percent shooting. Entering the game, the Bobcats rank second in the Sun Belt Conference in shooting with 48.6 percent from the field and 36.9 percent from behind the arch. Â
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Notable NumbersÂ
·     The Trojans have shined defensively ranking fourth in opponent field goal percentage allowing only 40.6 percent from the field. Â
·     Entering the game, the Trojans are ranked 31st in the nation in steals per game. They have totaled 124 on the season for an average of 9.5 per game. Desmond Williams currently leads the team with 19 on the season.Â
·     The Trojans are currently on a two-game winning streak in conference openers. They beat Appalachian State, 69-56, last season and Coastal Carolina, 77-59, in 2019.Â
·     Duke Deen currently averages 3.5 assists per game this season. This places him ninth in the Sun Belt Conference and the only freshman ranked in the top-15. Â
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Troy is looking to finish out 2021 on a winning note as it enters the game on a four-game winning streak in a continuation of its best start since the 2003-04 season. Â
Â
This will be the first of a two-game series in Texas for the Trojans as they will wrap up 2021 and begin 2022 in Texas state lines. Â
Â
Last Time OutÂ
The Trojans were victorious over the Mercer Bears to capture their fourth win in a row, 69-65. Desmond Williams was the top scorer for the Trojans, capturing a season-high 21 points on five three-pointers. The victory was the first by an opponent on Mercer's home court this year and the first by a Sun Belt opponent against the Bears, who have victories over Georgia State, Georgia Southern and Coastal Carolina.
Â
Khalyl Waters followed suit, capturing a season-high 19 points. 10 of them came from the free throw line as Waters was perfect from the charity stripe. Â
Â
Follow us to TexasÂ
Location: San Marcos, Texas - Strahan ArenaÂ
The Matchup:Â Troy (9-4) vs. Texas State (9-3)Â
When: Thursday, December 30 – 7 p.m.Â
Watch:Â ESPN+Â Â
Listen: Troy Sports Radio Network - gotroy.us/30NheduÂ
Live Stats:Â Troystats.comÂ
Â
Series DetailsÂ
Texas St. leads the series 8-5.Â
Â
The last time these teams played, the Trojans pulled off the 71-63 victory over the Bobcats. Leading 29-28 at halftime, the Trojans came out swinging as they knocked down back-to-back shots from deep, including one from Williams. Â
Â
Troy controlled the lead for the remainder of the ballgame, with Ty Gordon leading the way with 16 points on 6-of-12 shooting.Â
Â
Previewing the BobcatsÂ
The Bobcats of Texas State will enter Thursday's game at 9-3 following an 80-47 loss to #13/#14 ranked Houston last Wednesday. Texas State will also start its Sun Belt Conference play in this matchup versus Troy. Â
Â
Caleb Asberry leads the way in scoring for the Bobcats averaging 13.3 points on 44.8 percent shooting. Entering the game, the Bobcats rank second in the Sun Belt Conference in shooting with 48.6 percent from the field and 36.9 percent from behind the arch. Â
Â
Notable NumbersÂ
·     The Trojans have shined defensively ranking fourth in opponent field goal percentage allowing only 40.6 percent from the field. Â
·     Entering the game, the Trojans are ranked 31st in the nation in steals per game. They have totaled 124 on the season for an average of 9.5 per game. Desmond Williams currently leads the team with 19 on the season.Â
·     The Trojans are currently on a two-game winning streak in conference openers. They beat Appalachian State, 69-56, last season and Coastal Carolina, 77-59, in 2019.Â
·     Duke Deen currently averages 3.5 assists per game this season. This places him ninth in the Sun Belt Conference and the only freshman ranked in the top-15. Â
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Players Mentioned
Football Press Conference (Players) - ULM Game
Monday, October 13
Gerad Parker Press Conference - ULM Game
Monday, October 13
Eric Newell Postgame Press Conference - Tallahassee State College
Sunday, October 12
Paddy McAteer and Jordan Stringer Postgame - Texas State
Sunday, October 12