Troy University Athletics
Troy University
15-8,9-2Sun Belt
Georgia State
9-13,4-7Sun Belt
Scott Cross Wins 300th Career Game, Troy Beats Georgia State
2/3/2024 8:45:00 PM | Basketball (M)
ATLANTA, Ga. – Head coach Scott Cross picked up the 300th win of his coaching career on Saturday night as the Troy men's basketball team defeated Georgia State 78-74 at the GSU Convocation Center.
With the win, Troy (15-8, 9-2 SBC) picks up its first undefeated road trip of the season after beating Georgia Southern on Thursday night in Statesboro. The Trojans are 3-7 on the road this season but 3-2 on the road in conference play.
Myles Rigsby was a handful for Georgia State (9-13, 4-7 SBC) to handle, as the freshman forward picked up his fourth consecutive game scoring in double-digits. Rigsby, who scored 20 points, has now scored 20 or more points in three of those four games.
Troy got off to a strong start early, but it wasn't all smooth sailing for the Trojans. After jumping out to a 10-4 lead early, the Panthers responded with a few baskets of their own and the teams went back and forth for the first 20 minutes.
The Trojans shot just 36.1 percent from the field in the first half and took a 36-33 lead into the halftime break.
The second half is when Rigsby came alive, as he scored 18 of his points in the final 20 minutes on an efficient 8-12 from the field.
Troy controlled the lead for the entire second half, but Georgia State was knocking on the door for much of it, but the Trojan defense did enough to keep the lead intact. Christyon Eugene iced the game with a pair of free throws with just under 20 seconds left to make the Trojan lead three possessions.
Embracing its Strengths
Troy, who sits comfortably in second place in the Sun Belt standings, continued to do what has brought them success all season. The Trojans dominated the rebounding battle, as it outrebounded GSU 48-32.
Forty-eight rebounds are the most for the Trojans in a game since they grabbed 53 against SUNO on Dec. 12. Troy also grabbed 20 offensive rebounds for the second consecutive game. In addition to the impressive rebounding display, Troy also had 42 points inside the paint.
Aamer Muhammad had another impressive performance. He dropped 15 points and buried a trio of three-pointers. Tayton Conerway also added 15 points. Christyon Eugene scored 13 points and has scored in double-figures in 20 of 23 games this season.
Conway also led the bench in scoring, who, as a unit, had an impressive day outscoring GSU's bench 25-8. Randarius Jones was second in scoring among bench players with seven points.
The Trojan's defense held the Panthers to 41.3 percent from the field and 8-22 from 3-point range. Jackson Fields had three blocks and tied his career-high in rebounds with seven. Thomas Dowd also grabbed seven rebounds.
Thoughts from Coach
Head coach Scott Cross gave his thoughts following the game:
"That was awesome. I think the game changed when Myles Rigsby dove on the floor and got that loose ball. He was absolutely amazing. He out-toughed them. He out-willed them. We talk about being street dogs – that's what a street dog is. It changed our guy's eyes. I told them that they are a great defensive team, but we need to see it in their eyes.
There are so many dynamic guys that can score on all three levels. Myles, Tayton, Aamer, Spudd — there are so many different guys… They finished plays."
Cross on his 300th career win:
"I told the guys. 300 means nothing. 15 means a lot to me. Being where we are right now means a lot to me."
Up Next
Troy returns home on Wednesday for a big conference matchup against Marshall. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and the Troy Sports Radio Network. Live stats will be available at TroyStats.com.
Game 23 Notes
• Head coach Scott Cross picked up his 300th career win as a head coach on Saturday night. He is 75-72 at Troy and was 255-161 at UT-Arlington, where he coached for 12 seasons prior to taking over the Trojans.
• Myles Riggs had his fourth consecutive double-digit scoring performance after dropping 20 points on Saturday. He has scored 20 or more points in three of the last four games.
• Troy grabbed 48 rebounds. It's the most rebounds in a game since the Trojans had 53 against SUNO on Dec. 12. It's also the second straight game that Troy has grabbed 20 offensive rebounds.
• Four Trojans scored in double-figures for the second consecutive game. Myles Rigsby had 20, Aamer Muhammad had 15, Tayton Conerway had 15 and Christyon Eugene had 13.
