Trojans win third straight, defeat Miami (OH) 73-60
Published 9:34 pm Saturday, December 3, 2011
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Troy guard/forward Emil Jones (10) drives the ball past Miami (Ohio) guard/forward Josh Sewell (1) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Troy, Ala., Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011. (Messenger Staff Photo/Thomas Graning)
Troy set an early tone and never trailed as they defeated Miami (OH), 73-60, at Sartain Hall on Saturday.
The Trojans won the tip and R.J. Scott immediately hit a three pointer and that would spell the story of the game.
Troy jumped to a 28-9 lead in the first have knocking down six three pointers. The RedHawks held no answer for Troy’s hot shooting from long-range. The Trojans converted 54 percent (14-26) of their three point attempts on the night.
“We set a tone early in the game,” Troy guard Justin Wright said. “I thought we played really good team basketball.”
Tim Owens collected a career high 13 rebounds and Wright scored 18 to tie his season high for the Trojans.
Troy would take a 36-20 lead into halftime but led by as many as 23 in the contest.
“We feed off each other’s energy,” Owens said. “I get pumped when our guys go out and hit threes like we did.”
In the second half both teams came out firing. With 16:10 remaining, Wright drained a three. That would set off a chain of 10 combined three pointers.
“I think it gets contagious,” Maestri said of the team’s hot shooting. “We didn’t have just one guy with a ton of points, everyone contributed.”
Miami would cut the deficit to nine points midway through the second half but a 13-4 Trojan run ended the RedHawks comeback hopes.
“I thought our guys played a very, very good team game,” Maestri said. “Our decision making and passing was outstanding tonight.”
RedHawks standout Julian Mavunga scored 24 points with 11 of those coming at the free throw line.
Scott (11), Emil Jones (12), Wright (18), and Alan Jones (13) all scored in double figures. It was the third consecutive game the Trojans have had four players score 10 or more.
With the win, the Trojans improve to 4-3 on the season and 3-0 at home.
Troy will travel to take on No. 24 Mississippi State on Dec. 10. Tip is set for 3 p.m.