Troy University Athletics
Troy University
Texas State
Trojans Host Texas State in New Year's Eve Matchup
12/30/2025 11:35:00 AM | Basketball (M)
TROY, Ala. – Following an 11-day break, Troy men's basketball returns to action on Wednesday for a New Year's Eve matchup against Texas State. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m., with the game airing on ESPN+.
Troy (8-5, 1-0) opened Sun Belt Conference play on Dec. 20 with a 70-63 win over Marshall. The victory improved Scott Cross to 6-1 in conference openers at Troy.
The Trojans played from ahead for the majority of the afternoon, leading for 35:24 of game time. Theo Seng and Victor Valdes scored 18 points apiece, with 13 of Seng's points coming in the second half. Seng scored 11 consecutive Troy points, including 3-pointers on three straight possessions.
Texas State (8-6, 1-1) travels to Trojan Arena for its third Sun Belt game of the season, following a win over South Alabama and a loss to Arkansas State.
Troy and Texas State split two contests last season, with the road team earning the victory in both matchups.
Troy holds a 9-12 all-time record against Texas State.
Game Information
Location: Troy, Ala. - Trojan Arena (5,200)
The Matchup: Troy vs. Texas State
When: Wednesday, December 31 – 1 p.m.
Watch: ESPN+
Listen: Troy Sports Media Network
Smooth Operator
Victor Valdes has become no stranger to scoring at a high level this season. The Monterrey, Mexico native has scored 15-plus points in seven games this season, including six of the last eight contests. Valdes is currently second in the Sun Belt in scoring, averaging 17.7 points.
Attacking the Glass
Thomas Dowd is near the top of several statistics nationally. The Dothan native ranks sixth in total rebounds (134) and 14th in rebounds per game (10.3). Additionally, Dowd is one of nine players to be averaging at least 15.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per game.
Scouting Texas State
Texas State enters Wednesday with a 8-6 record, and a 1-1 mark in Sun Belt play. Like the Trojans, the Bobcats have been out of action since Dec. 20 when they defeated South Alabama, 67-65. Texas State is still looking for its first win away from home this season, as the Bobcats are 0-5 in games outside of San Marcos, while they hold an 8-1 record at home. Mark Drone and DJ Hall have led Texas State offensively with 13.0 and 12.2 points per game.
Up Next
Troy will wrap up its three-game homestand on Saturday when it welcomes South Alabama to Trojan Arena. Tip-off is set for 3:33 p.m. with the action streaming on ESPN+.
Notables
- Scott Cross is in his seventh season at the helm of the Trojans, amassing a 111-92 record during his time at Troy. Over the last four seasons, Troy has won 20-plus games every year, which includes 10-plus Sun Belt wins each season.
- Troy wraps up 2025 looking for its 24th win of the calendar year. The Trojans will aim to put together their first four-game winning streak since they rattled off six in a row en route to an NCAA Tournament bid.
- After wrapping up a six-game road trip on Nov. 26, Troy is in the midst of a lengthy in-state stretch that keeps the team within Alabama until its Jan. 7 matchup at Arkansas State. The run includes five home games at Trojan Arena.
- Troy has been excellent at creating havoc on the court this season, ranking 27th nationally and first in the Sun Belt with 9.7 steals per game. The Trojans are forcing 15.7 turnovers a contest, good for 28th in the nation.
- A multitude of Trojans have led the way offensively so far this season, with Victor Valdes pacing the scoring output at 17.6 points per game. Thomas Dowd has added 15.1 points and a Sun Belt leading 10.3 rebounds per contest. Cooper Campbell has averaged 14.3 points and 4.9 assists.
