Troy University Athletics
Wednesday, December 21
Troy, Ala.
6 p.m.
Troy University
vs
Mercer
Men’s Basketball Closes Out Non-Conference Schedule in Trojan Arena
12/20/2022 9:54:00 AM | Basketball (M)
TROY, Ala. – The Troy men's basketball team hosts Mercer on Wednesday at 6 p.m. to close out the nonconference schedule in Trojan Arena.
The Trojans (8-4) aim to continue their two-game win streak while putting their undefeated 4-0 start at home on the line against the Bears (6-6).
After last season's 69-65 win, which saw Zay Williams finish with two points and nine rebounds, Troy leads the former A-Sun rival 11-7 in the overall series – home team is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
Game Information
Location: Troy, Ala. – Trojan Arena
The Matchup: Troy (8-4, 0-0 SBC) vs. Mercer (6-6, 0-0 SOCON)
When: Wednesday, Dec. 21 – 6 p.m.
Watch: ESPN+
Listen: Troy Sports Radio Network
Live Stats: TroyStats.com
Back-to-Back Wins
A career-high of 19 points from Kieffer Punter lifted Troy above Southeastern Louisiana for the team's second straight win, 77-71.
The Lions tied the ballgame with 4:07 remaining as Roger McFarlane charged into the lane, fighting through the contact for the and-one, 69-69.
Aamer Muhammed capitalized on his miss in the lane, grabbing the offensive rebound and dishing out the assist to Christyon Eugene. Eugene launched into the lane to draw the foul and convert the and-one to hold a 72-69 lead with 3:38 remaining.
In the final three minutes, Troy won the battle at the free throw line to secure the victory, shooting 6-of-9 from the charity stripe while the Lions went 2-of-4 and shot 0-of-3 from the field.
Spark the Old Rivalry
The Bears' season has gone back and forth, with the team sitting at .500 after a 79-52 victory over Morehead State. The team is still searching for their first road win of the season after opening the 2022-23 campaign at 0-4.
Despite the 6-6 start, the Bears have been positive in their scoring margin, averaging a plus-8.8 through 12 games. In addition, Mercer has shot efficiently in all areas as a team, with 49.5 percent from the field, 37.9 from deep and 70.5 from the free throw line.
Mercer has four starters that average double figures, with Jalyn McCreary on top with 14.7 points per game. Luis Hurtado Jr. is a utility tool for the Bears, averaging 10.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 5.6 assists.
Christmas Season Stats
• In the win over Southeastern Louisiana, two Trojans produced a new career-high in points - Punter scored 19 with Fields at eight.
• Troy has been quick to score all season in transition, ranking 61st in the nation in fastbreak points with 13.5 per game - ranks fourth in the SBC.
• The Trojans struggled from deep despite the win over Southeastern Louisiana after thriving all season. In the victory, Troy shot a season-low 21.9 percent from deep - second time the team shot below 25 percent (Montana - 23.5 percent).
• Troy puts its perfect 4-0 record at home on the line with hopes of going 5-0 at home for the second time in Cross's tenure - started 7-0 at home in the 2020-21 season.
• In the series history between Mercer and Troy, the Trojans have excelled at home with an 8-1 record.
• The bench continues to produce for the Trojans as the team averages 34.4 bench points per game - ranked 10th in the nation and second in SBC.
The Trojans (8-4) aim to continue their two-game win streak while putting their undefeated 4-0 start at home on the line against the Bears (6-6).
After last season's 69-65 win, which saw Zay Williams finish with two points and nine rebounds, Troy leads the former A-Sun rival 11-7 in the overall series – home team is 7-3 in the last 10 meetings.
Game Information
Location: Troy, Ala. – Trojan Arena
The Matchup: Troy (8-4, 0-0 SBC) vs. Mercer (6-6, 0-0 SOCON)
When: Wednesday, Dec. 21 – 6 p.m.
Watch: ESPN+
Listen: Troy Sports Radio Network
Live Stats: TroyStats.com
Back-to-Back Wins
A career-high of 19 points from Kieffer Punter lifted Troy above Southeastern Louisiana for the team's second straight win, 77-71.
The Lions tied the ballgame with 4:07 remaining as Roger McFarlane charged into the lane, fighting through the contact for the and-one, 69-69.
Aamer Muhammed capitalized on his miss in the lane, grabbing the offensive rebound and dishing out the assist to Christyon Eugene. Eugene launched into the lane to draw the foul and convert the and-one to hold a 72-69 lead with 3:38 remaining.
In the final three minutes, Troy won the battle at the free throw line to secure the victory, shooting 6-of-9 from the charity stripe while the Lions went 2-of-4 and shot 0-of-3 from the field.
Spark the Old Rivalry
The Bears' season has gone back and forth, with the team sitting at .500 after a 79-52 victory over Morehead State. The team is still searching for their first road win of the season after opening the 2022-23 campaign at 0-4.
Despite the 6-6 start, the Bears have been positive in their scoring margin, averaging a plus-8.8 through 12 games. In addition, Mercer has shot efficiently in all areas as a team, with 49.5 percent from the field, 37.9 from deep and 70.5 from the free throw line.
Mercer has four starters that average double figures, with Jalyn McCreary on top with 14.7 points per game. Luis Hurtado Jr. is a utility tool for the Bears, averaging 10.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 5.6 assists.
Christmas Season Stats
• In the win over Southeastern Louisiana, two Trojans produced a new career-high in points - Punter scored 19 with Fields at eight.
• Troy has been quick to score all season in transition, ranking 61st in the nation in fastbreak points with 13.5 per game - ranks fourth in the SBC.
• The Trojans struggled from deep despite the win over Southeastern Louisiana after thriving all season. In the victory, Troy shot a season-low 21.9 percent from deep - second time the team shot below 25 percent (Montana - 23.5 percent).
• Troy puts its perfect 4-0 record at home on the line with hopes of going 5-0 at home for the second time in Cross's tenure - started 7-0 at home in the 2020-21 season.
• In the series history between Mercer and Troy, the Trojans have excelled at home with an 8-1 record.
• The bench continues to produce for the Trojans as the team averages 34.4 bench points per game - ranked 10th in the nation and second in SBC.
Players Mentioned
Gerad Parker Postgame Press Conference - Buffalo
Saturday, September 20
Player Postgame Press Conference - Evan Crenshaw, Jordan Stringer, Tucker Kilcrease
Saturday, September 20
Troy at Buffalo (Full Highlights)
Saturday, September 20
Behind the Wall - S10, E3
Thursday, September 18