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Troy trojans Battle Southern Miss for Sun Belt Championship Berth
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The Troy Trojans men’s basketball team is gearing up for a critical showdown against Southern Miss on Friday, February 28, 2025, with significant Sun Belt Conference implications. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CST at Reed Green coliseum in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. With a 19-10 overall record and a 12-5 mark in conference play, Troy is in contention for the Sun belt regular-season championship and the coveted No. 2 seed in the upcoming Sun Belt Tournament. A victory against Southern Miss, coupled with favorable results elsewhere, could clinch Troy’s first regular-season conference title since the 2008-09 season, marking a significant achievement for the program.
The Trojans’ path to this pivotal game has been paved with notable performances, including a recent 74-69 victory over Texas state in San Marcos. Senior guard Tayton Conerway spearheaded that win, contributing a team-high 24 points. Southern Miss, simultaneously occurring, enters the contest with a 10-20 overall record and a 5-12 conference record. They are projected to be the No. 12 seed in the Sun Belt Tournament and are slated to participate in the first round next Tuesday in Pensacola.
The stakes are exceptionally high for Troy as they aim to capitalize on their strong season. A win against Southern Miss, combined with a loss by James Madison, would secure the regular-season conference title for the Trojans. Moreover, a victory coupled with a South Alabama loss would elevate Troy to the No. 2 seed in the sun Belt Tournament, granting them an automatic berth into the semifinals on Sunday. The Sun Belt Conference is expected to release the full tournament bracket following the conclusion of all regular-season games, setting the stage for postseason play.
Tayton Conerway’s stellar performance against Texas State underscored his importance to the team. He not only led the team with 24 points but also added five rebounds, five steals, and three assists. Conerway’s consistent scoring has made him the Trojans’ leading scorer this season, averaging 13.8 points per game. His defensive prowess is equally impressive, as evidenced by his league-leading 86 steals, which also rank third nationally.He is just three steals shy of breaking the program’s single-season record of 88 steals, set by Bobby Dixon in the 2005-06 season, highlighting his potential to etch his name in Troy basketball history.
Othre key contributors for Troy include Myles Rigsby and Thomas Dowd. Rigsby contributed 15 points in the win against Texas State, making all eight of his free-throw attempts in the second half, showcasing his clutch performance under pressure. Dowd recorded eight points and 10 rebounds, demonstrating his value on both ends of the court. Their contributions underscore the team’s depth and ability to perform well collectively.
Troy’s road record in conference play stands at an impressive 6-2. The Trojans have won their last four road games and have the opportunity to finish the season with a better road conference record (7-2) than their home record (6-3), a testament to their ability to perform under different environments and pressures.
Defense has been a cornerstone of Troy’s success this season. The Trojans are holding opponents to a 41.2 percent shooting percentage from the field, ranking fourth in the Sun Belt and 41st nationally. they also lead the Sun Belt in steals per game (9.6) and rank second in blocks per game (4.6). troy’s defensive pressure forces opponents into an average of 14.0 turnovers per game, which is second-best in the conference and 50th nationally, illustrating their ability to disrupt opposing offenses and create scoring opportunities.
Scouting Southern Miss
Troy seeks its first-ever win in Hattiesburg against Southern Miss. The Trojans’ all-time record against the Golden Eagles is 3-18, and they have never defeated them twice in the same season. Earlier this season, Troy secured a 70-61 victory over Southern Miss at Trojan Arena, providing a glimpse of their potential to overcome their historical struggles against the Golden Eagles.
Southern Miss is led by Denijay Harris, who averages 17 points and 11 rebounds per game. Harris’s 17 double-doubles lead the Sun Belt and rank fifth in the NCAA,highlighting his dominance on the boards and his scoring ability. Despite their overall record, Southern Miss boasts a 9-5 home record and narrowly lost to South Alabama on Wednesday, indicating their resilience and competitiveness on their home court.
Coaching and Player Achievements
Head coach scott Cross is in his sixth season at troy and his 18th as a Division I head coach. During his tenure at Troy, he has compiled a 99-86 record, including three consecutive seasons with 20 or more wins, demonstrating his ability to build a consistent and prosperous program. The Trojans have also achieved 10 or more conference wins in each of the last four years, including the 2024-25 season, showcasing their sustained success within the Sun Belt Conference.
Cross currently holds the fourth-most wins by a head coach in program history and is four wins away from tying Wes Bizilia for third place, underscoring his significant impact on the Troy basketball program.
Troy secured at least the No. 4 seed in the Sun Belt Tournament after their recent victory over Texas State, guaranteeing them a favorable position in the postseason bracket. Tayton Conerway’s 24-point performance against Texas State marked his second consecutive game with 20 or more points, highlighting his consistent scoring ability. Myles Rigsby contributed 15 points, making all eight of his free-throw attempts in the second half, while Thomas Dowd added eight points and 10 rebounds.
Conerway has consistently scored in double figures, achieving this feat in 16 of 17 conference games this year, with 13 games of 15 or more points. His career-high 32 points against Arkansas State on january 11 marked the first time a Trojan has scored 30 or more points since 2019, showcasing his ability to take over games. Against ULM on January 15, Conerway recorded his first career double-double with 10 points and a career-high 12 assists, demonstrating his versatility and playmaking ability.
The Trojans were picked to finish third in the Sun Belt Coaches Preseason Poll, their highest preseason ranking since the 2017-18 season.They also received one first-place vote, indicating the high expectations surrounding the team entering the season.
If the season were to end today, Troy would be the No. 3 seed in the Sun Belt tournament, earning a direct advancement to the quarterfinals, providing them with a significant advantage in the postseason tournament.
As the trojans prepare to face Southern Miss, the team is focused on securing a victory and improving their position in the Sun Belt conference standings. The game promises to be a competitive contest with significant implications for both teams, setting the stage for an exciting matchup.
can Troy Trojans Secure their First Sun Belt Championship in Years? An Exclusive Interview
Did you know that a single game can determine a team’s destiny, possibly shifting their trajectory from a promising season to a championship win? That’s the pressure facing the Troy Trojans men’s basketball team as they prepare for their crucial matchup against Southern Miss.Let’s delve into this pivotal game and the wider context of college basketball competition with Dr. David Lee,a renowned sports analyst and expert on Sun Belt Conference dynamics.
World-Today-News.com Senior Editor: Dr. Lee, the Troy Trojans are on the cusp of something significant; a Sun Belt regular season title. What are the key factors contributing to their success this season, and how significant is this upcoming game against Southern Miss?
Dr. Lee: The Troy Trojans’ success this season stems from a potent combination of factors. first,their strong defensive prowess is undeniable.Their ability to hold opponents to a low field goal percentage,coupled with their league-leading steals and blocks,showcases a dedication to suffocating defense—a cornerstone of championship-caliber teams. Second, their balanced offensive attack prevents opponents from focusing on any single player. The consistent contributions from players like Tayton Conerway, Myles Rigsby, and Thomas Dowd demonstrate team depth and a well-executed offensive strategy. The Southern Miss game is pivotal because a win, perhaps paired with other results, secures the regular season conference title and a much-improved seed in the Sun Belt tournament. This sets them up for a much easier path to the championship game.
Dr. David Lee, Sports Analyst
World-Today-News.com Senior Editor: Let’s talk about Tayton conerway. His statistics are impressive – league-leading steals, consistent high scoring. How does he fit into the overall team strategy and dynamics?
Dr. Lee: Tayton Conerway is the epitome of a well-rounded player; his offensive capabilities are impressive, but his defensive contributions are equally noteworthy. His league-leading steals demonstrate his ability to disrupt the opponent’s offense, creating turnovers and fast-break opportunities. this impacts the game beyond simply scoring points— it’s about game control,momentum swings,and dictating the pace. He’s not just a star scorer; he’s a crucial cog in Troy’s finely-tuned machine, illustrating the importance of all-around athleticism in basketball.
Dr. David Lee, Sports Analyst
World-Today-News.com Senior Editor: Southern Miss presents a formidable challenge, despite their overall record. What are some key areas where Troy needs to focus to secure a victory?
Dr. Lee: Southern Miss’s home-court advantage will certainly be a challenge. While their overall record may not reflect it,their home record indicates a different story – they are a formidable opponent on their own turf.Troy must maintain their defensive intensity and limit Southern Miss’s offensive rebounds. Controlling the tempo of the game will also be essential; Troy’s strategy should be to prevent Southern Miss from setting their preferred pace and rhythm. Minimizing turnovers will be crucial – those are opportunities for Southern Miss to capitalize on. Effective transition defense is directly tied to a successful outcome for Troy.
Dr. David Lee, Sports Analyst
World-Today-News.com Senior editor: Looking beyond this game, what are some key factors that will contribute to Troy’s overall success in the Sun Belt tournament?
Dr.lee: Maintaining their defensive intensity will be paramount. The Sun Belt Tournament is a high-pressure habitat, and consistent, high-level defense provides a strong foundation. Another key factor involves managing the pressure successfully. It’s about handling pressure in pivotal moments, making smart decisions both on offense and defense. Their ability to stay healthy is key. Championship runs depend on the availability of key players, and Troy must ensure everyone performs at their peak level physically.
Dr. David
Can Troy Trojans secure their First Sun Belt Championship in Years? An Exclusive Interview
Did you know that a single basketball game can dramatically alter a team’s destiny, possibly catapulting them from a promising season to a championship victory? That’s the high-stakes reality facing the Troy Trojans men’s basketball team as they prepare for their pivotal clash against Southern Miss. Let’s delve into this crucial game and the broader landscape of college basketball competition with Dr. David Lee, a renowned sports analyst and expert on Sun Belt Conference dynamics.
World-today-News.com senior Editor: Dr. Lee, the Troy Trojans are on the verge of a significant accomplishment: a Sun Belt regular season title. What are the key factors driving their success this season, and how crucial is this upcoming game against Southern Miss?
Dr.Lee: The Troy Trojans’ remarkable season is a result of a potent blend of factors. First, their exceptional defensive capabilities are undeniable. Their ability to significantly restrict opponents’ field goal percentages, coupled with their league-leading steals and blocks, showcases a commitment to stifling defense—a hallmark of championship-contending teams. Second, their balanced offensive strategy prevents opponents from focusing on a single player. The consistent contributions from players like Tayton Conerway, Myles Rigsby, and Thomas Dowd highlight the team’s depth and a well-executed offensive scheme. The Southern Miss game is absolutely pivotal as a victory, potentially combined with other results, secures the regular season conference title and a much more favorable seed in the Sun Belt tournament. This significantly improves their chances of reaching the championship game.
Dr. David Lee, Sports Analyst
Tayton Conerway’s Impact on Troy’s Success
World-Today-News.com Senior Editor: Let’s discuss Tayton Conerway. His statistics are truly impressive—league-leading steals and consistently high scoring. How does he integrate into the overall team strategy and dynamics?
Dr. Lee: Tayton Conerway exemplifies a well-rounded player; his offensive prowess is evident, but his defensive contributions are equally significant. His league-leading steals highlight his ability to disrupt the opponent’s offense, generating turnovers and creating fast-break opportunities. this impacts the game beyond simply scoring points—it’s about controlling the game, generating momentum shifts, and dictating the pace. He’s not just a star scorer; he’s a vital component of Troy’s finely-tuned system, demonstrating the importance of all-around athleticism in basketball.
Dr. David Lee, sports Analyst
Strategies for Victory Against Southern Miss
World-Today-News.com Senior Editor: Southern Miss presents a formidable challenge, despite their overall record. What are some key areas where Troy needs to focus to secure a victory?
Dr. Lee: Southern miss’s home-court advantage will undoubtedly be a factor. Although their overall record may not fully reflect it, their home win-loss record suggests a different narrative—they are a resilient opponent on their home court. Troy must maintain their defensive intensity and limit Southern Miss’s offensive rebounds. Controlling the tempo of the game is crucial; Troy’s game plan should be to prevent Southern Miss from establishing their preferred pace and rhythm. Minimizing turnovers is essential—these are prime opportunities for Southern Miss to capitalize on. Effective transition defense is directly linked to a triumphant outcome for Troy.
dr. david Lee,Sports Analyst
Keys to success in the Sun Belt Tournament
World-Today-News.com senior Editor: Looking beyond this game, what are some key factors that will contribute to Troy’s overall success in the Sun Belt tournament?
Dr. Lee: Maintaining their defensive intensity will be paramount. The Sun Belt Tournament is a high-pressure environment, and consistent, high-level defense provides a solid foundation. Another key factor is effectively managing pressure. This involves handling pressure situations,making intelligent decisions on both offense and defense. Their ability to remain healthy is critical. Championship runs rely on the full participation of key players, and Troy must ensure everyone performs at their peak physical condition.
Dr. David Lee, Sports Analyst
Final Thoughts: The upcoming Troy versus Southern Miss game is a pivotal moment that could define the Trojans’ season.Their success hinges on maintaining their defensive intensity, controlling the game’s tempo, and the continued strong performance of key players like Tayton Conerway. Their ability to manage pressure and stay healthy will be crucial for a successful run in the Sun Belt tournament. We eagerly await the outcome! Share your predictions in the comments below!
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