Troy's high-powered offense was on full display as they dismantled Arkansas State 99-74 at Trojan Arena. The Trojans' balanced attack, which saw three players score 17 points or more, proved too much for the Red Wolves to handle. Thomas Dowd led the charge with 24 points and 10 rebounds, while Jerrell Bellamy added 22 points and Victor Valdes chipped in with 17 points, 6 rebounds, and a impressive 14 assists.
The game was essentially over by halftime, with Troy taking a 44-35 lead into the break. The Trojans' offense was clicking on all cylinders, with Dowd and Bellamy combining for 25 points in the first half. Arkansas State's TJ Caldwell tried to keep his team in it, scoring 10 points in the first half, but it wasn't enough to slow down the Trojans' onslaught.
In the second half, Troy continued to pour it on, outscoring Arkansas State 55-39. Valdes took over, dishing out assists and scoring key baskets to help the Trojans pull away. Caldwell finished with 17 points to lead the Red Wolves, while Jalen Hampton added 15 points and 9 rebounds.
The 25-point margin of victory was a reflection of Troy's dominance, and the win improves their record to 15-6. The Trojans' net ranking of 103 will likely get a boost from this performance, which was classified as a Quadrant 3 win. For Arkansas State, the loss drops their record to 13-8, and their net ranking of 146 will likely take a hit from this Quadrant 2 loss.
This game was a showcase for Troy's depth and talent, and it will certainly be a notable win on their resume. The Trojans' ability to score from multiple positions and their strong team defense made them a formidable opponent for Arkansas State. As the season wears on, this win will be an important one for Troy as they look to build their case for a postseason bid.
The loss for Arkansas State is a setback, but it's not a devastating one. The Red Wolves can still build on their 13-8 record and make a push for a tournament bid. However, they must regroup and refocus after this tough loss. For now, Troy is the team that gets to enjoy the spoils of victory, and they want to carry this momentum forward as they continue their season.
This result has real consequences for both teams' tournament chances. Troy's win over Arkansas State is a strong addition to their resume, and it will help to bolster their case for a postseason bid. Arkansas State, on the other hand, must rebound from this loss and string together some wins to get back on track. As it stands, Troy's dominant performance has given them a boost, and they want to keep building on this momentum as the season continues.