Troy, Alabama, witnessed a thrilling night at Trojan Arena as the Troy men’s basketball team secured its second consecutive Sun Belt regular-season title by defeating ULM. The victory marked a significant milestone for the team, earning them their first outright championship in the Sun Belt.
With a final season record of 20 wins and 11 losses, Troy finished the regular season strong. Head coach Scott Cross praised his team, highlighting their determination and unity. “Winning a championship is tough,” he said. “You never want to take that for granted.”
During the game, the Trojans faced challenges from ULM, who fought hard despite their struggles this season. At one point in the second half, ULM had the game within a point. However, Troy’s resilience shone through as they pulled away in the final minutes, ultimately winning 80-65.
Thomas Dowd led the Trojans with an impressive performance, scoring 22 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. This was his 16th double-double of the season. Notably, four players from Troy scored in double figures, showcasing the team’s depth and teamwork.
The victory was made even sweeter by honoring the seniors before the game, including Jerrell Bellamy and Kameryn Mitchell. It was Mitchell’s first career start, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Interestingly, Troy’s bench outscored ULM’s reserves 48-0, highlighting the depth of their roster. The Trojans also shot 50% from the field, achieving that mark for the eighth time this season, a statistic that generally leads to success.
Historically, winning back-to-back titles is rare, with Troy last achieving three consecutive championships in the Atlantic Sun from 2001-2004. This year, they are the only team in the Sun Belt to maintain a record of 20 or more wins for five straight seasons.
Looking forward, Troy heads to the Sun Belt Championships as the top seed. They automatically advance to the semifinals and will play on Sunday against the winner of another quarterfinal matchup.
As the buzz grows around Troy’s success, many fans are optimistic about their chances in the tournament. Social media is abuzz with excitement, and supporters are rallying behind their team, eager for what’s to come.
For more details on the Sun Belt Championships, check the official Sun Belt Conference website.
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