Troy University’s Heartbreaking NCAA Tournament Loss to Kentucky: Game Highlights and Insights

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Troy’s dream season came to an end on Friday when they faced No. 3 Kentucky in the NCAA Tournament. The game ended with a score of 76-57, marking Troy’s third time in the tournament and their first since 2017. This year was special for Troy, as they claimed both the regular season and tournament titles, achieving 23 wins—their best since the 2003-04 season.

In the first half, the teams traded baskets, and with just over seven minutes left, the score was tied at 19. Troy was looking strong but fell behind after Kentucky went on a decisive 10-0 run late in the half. Jackson Fields hit a three-pointer before halftime, narrowing the gap to 35-27. Unfortunately, Troy struggled with their shooting, making only 33.3% of their shots.

The second half started with Kentucky extending their lead to 11 points. Troy attempted to rally with a quick five-point burst, bringing the deficit back to six. However, Kentucky responded with a powerful 16-0 run, leaving Troy trailing significantly. Despite their efforts, Troy couldn’t recover, finishing with a shooting percentage of just 34.9%.

Myles Rigsby topped the scoring for Troy with 17 points, followed by Tayton Conerway with 12. Thomas Dowd stood out on the boards, grabbing 11 rebounds. In contrast, Kentucky’s Otega Oweh led all scorers with 20 points, aided by contributions from Koby Brea, Andrew Carr, and Brandon Garrison, each scoring 13.

Coach Scott Cross expressed his disappointment but was proud of his team’s journey. “Our guys played hard,” he said. “We went on a run, but Kentucky’s size was tough for us. I’m thankful for the opportunity this season.”

Despite the loss, Troy made significant strides this season. They managed to hold Kentucky, known for their strong offense, to just 76 points, showcasing their defensive capabilities. The team has a bright future ahead, with young talent ready to build on this year’s achievements.

Interestingly, this matchup highlights a trend in college basketball where smaller programs are making their mark, often challenging powerhouse teams. In recent NCAA tournaments, several lower-seeded teams have shocked higher-ranked opponents, sparking discussions about the increasing competitiveness of the sport.

As Troy reflects on this season, they’re set to continue developing their program, aiming to return to the tournament and hopefully secure their first NCAA Tournament victory in the future.

You can find more about NCAA Tournament trends and statistics at NCAA.com.

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