TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — Troy men’s basketball held its home opener against the Eagles of Pensacola Christian University on Tuesday night in Trojan Arena.
The Trojans dominated in their home opener against the Eagles, winning 121-56. The defense was stifling as the team finished with three blocks and 22 steals.
“I think just sticking to what our principles are always,” said Junior Forward Thomas Dowd. “It’s not taking our foot off the gas just because we are winning and continuing to play the defense we know we can play. I don’t think we did anything fancy or particular. I think we just did a good job of continuing to do what Coach teaches us and what our identity as a team is on defense.”
Troy’s offense was firing on all cylinders with the team’s shooting percentages at 56% from the field and 44% from the three-point line. The Trojan starters kept the ball with them as no starter had a turnover, and the team as a whole had only eight turnovers.
“We take a lot of pride in taking care of the ball,” said Junior Forward Victor Valdes. “Coach Cross always tells us that we only have 12 freebies, basically 12 turnovers a game. When we can have less than that, it is amazing because we take pride in taking care of the ball.”
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The win at home is the only home game the Trojans will have in November, as the team had two road wins earlier in the month and now prepares to play four games in California. They will finish their long road trip in Florida for a tournament.
“We are going to be on the road for six straight games. It’s not going to be easy, but I think our guys are prepared,” said head coach Scott Cross. “We have great chemistry, and it will definitely prepare us for the Sun Belt Conference.”
Troy’s hot start this season is the first time the team has started 3-0 since the 2022-2023 season.
Troy’s next matchup will be in LA as the team prepares to play a school it has never faced before, Loyola Marymount. Tipoff is set for Friday at 9 p.m. CST and will be streamed on ESPN+.
