Troy women snap Georgia Southern winning streak

Published 8:51 am Friday, January 5, 2024

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The Troy Trojans women’s basketball team (4-8, 1-1) picked up their first Sun Belt Conference win 74-71 over the Georgia Southern Eagles (11-3, 1-1) on the road on Thursday.

In earning the win, the Trojans also snapped Georgia Southern’s nine-game winning streak in the process. The Eagles had not lost a game since Nov. 16, 2023, before Thursday’s loss to Troy.

Twice in the last minute of play, Georgia Southern cut the Troy lead to one point. Southern’s Paris Miller knocked down a layup with 40 seconds remaining to cut Troy’s lead to 69-68, but Tai’Sheka Porchia knocked down a pair of free throws with 33 seconds left to extend the lead back to three points.

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After Makayia Hallmon grabbed a rebound off a missed three from Georgia Southern, she converted 1-of-2 free throw attempts to extend the lead to four with 24 seconds remaining. Eden Johnson of Georgia Southern drilled a three with just 11 seconds remaining to cut Troy’s lead to 72-71 but Porchia once again converted a pair of free throw attempts with just six seconds remaining to ice the win 74-71. Georgia Southern’s last second long three attempt was no good and Troy secured the win.

Georgia Southern led 18-15 going into the second quarter but the Trojans exploded to outscore the Eagles 25-8 in the second period to take a 40-26 lead into halftime. Troy took a 58-42 lead into the fourth quarter but Georgia Southern outscored Troy 29-16 in the fourth to make the game much tighter.

“I’m so happy to get this big win on the road. They were going for 10 in a row, and we were able to put a stop to it,” Troy Coach Chanda Rigby said. “Overall, we were able to win the battle on the boards and in transition. We outscored them 24-8 on the fastbreak. I’m also really proud of our defense because Georgia Southern has some great offensive players, and we stayed in our stance the entire time and showed determination.

“Tai hit some huge free throws. It’s big for the confidence of both Tai and this team. It shows we can put a team away and remain calm.”

Troy shot 41.1 percent from the field and held the Eagles to 32.9 percent shooting, while the Trojans won the rebound battle 57-50 and forced 18 turnovers.

Porchia led Troy with 24 points and seven rebounds, while Hallmon chipped in with 16 points. Nia Daniel added 12 points, four rebounds and a steal. Ja’Mia Hollings also earned eight points, eight rebounds, two steals and two blocks in the win. Terren Ward led Georgia Southern with 22 points and 10 rebounds.

Troy remains on the road this Saturday, Jan. 6, for a conference matchup with Coastal Carolina at noon.