The Trojans struggled inside during their Sun Belt Conference opener on Wednesday, eventually falling to Arkansas State 101-81.

“We are disappointed to lose our first conference game,” said Trojan head coach Chandra Rigby. “We thought we had a good game plan, and we thought we had a good chance at winning this game at home.”

After falling behind 10-5 to begin the game, the Trojans went on a 9-0 run to pull ahead 14-10. Rachel Reid led the Trojans, scoring 11 in the opening quarter and converting from three behind the arc.

The Trojans entered the second quarter leading 26-23, but Arkansas State outscored the Trojans 24-10 and went into the half leading 47-36.

“They had a lot of points in the paint,” Rigby said. “I think that may have been a record for us. A lot of those were layups. We were tired, and our rotation was off. That’s what gave them the layups.”

The Trojans attempted a comeback in the second half, but the Red Wolf inside attack s was too strong.

Claresa Banks led the way for the Trojans with 15 points while Ashley Beverly Kelley and Reid finished with 14 each.

The Trojans drop to 5-5 on the season and 0-1 in Sun Belt Conference play. The Troy women return to action Saturday when they host Arkansas-Little Rock at 2 p.m.