Troy University Athletics
Men's Basketball to Host Akron in MAC-SBC Challenge
1/6/2026 11:00:00 AM | Basketball (M)
TROY, Ala. - In the midst of a 10-5 start and three straight wins to open Sun Belt Conference play, Troy men's basketball will host Akron on February 7 as part of the MAC-SBC Challenge, the conferences announced Tuesday.Â
Troy (10-5, 3-0 Sun Belt) opened the season at Kent State, coming away with a 103-97 overtime win over the Golden Flashes. Overall, the Sun Belt won four of the 13 away games against the MAC.Â
The Trojans have been led offensively by Victor Valdes, who is averaging 16.6 points per game. Thomas Dowd has excelled on both ends of the floor and is one of eight players nationally averaging at least 15.0 points and 10.0 rebounds per game. Dowd is currently posting 15.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per contest.Â
Akron (10-4, 1-1 MAC) opened its season by defeating James Madison, 85-71 in the first round of the MAC-SBC Challenge. The Zips are currently ranked 50th in the NET rankings and 56th on KenPom.Â
Troy continues Sun Belt play on Wednesday by traveling to Arkansas State for a Sun Belt Tournament championship game rematch at 7 p.m. The Trojans return home on Jan. 14 against Southern Miss.Â
