The Troy Trojans basketball team enters Sun Belt Conference play with a 5-4 record. This marks just the second time the Trojans have a winning record under head coach Scott Cross. The first time was in early December when the team was 4-3 before a loss at Auburn. In just his second year, Cross is reshaping a Troy program that has missed the NCAA Tournament since 2017.
Troy Trojans Peaking at the Right Time
Troy defeated Carver College 88-35 on Monday night inside Trojan Arena. While it was a non-conference game, the Trojans looked poised from the beginning. As conference play begins on Friday, the Trojans are looking like a sleeper team in the conference. Troy travels to Appalachian State on Friday and Saturday to begin conference play.
While Coastal Carolina, Georgia State, and Louisiana lead the way, Troy has the talent to wreak havoc in the conference this year. Zay Williams leads the team in scoring as he averages 12.4 points per game. The junior forward has taken a big momentum leap this season with his play at both ends of the floor. Guard Kam Woods has made an early impression as a freshman. Woods averages 9.4 points per game but is shooting 36 percent from the floor.
The Trojans have a tough schedule, however, the momentum is on their side entering Sun Belt play. Earning the win on Monday night proved that this team can make a statement within the league in 2020-21. Even if they don’t make the NCAA Tournament, Scott Cross has done a terrific job so far turning the program around from a season ago.
Troy Trojans Basketball Set Up for Success
When Troy enters conference play, wins will be hard to come by. Coastal Carolina, Louisiana, and Georgia State are all talented teams with a real shot at the conference title. But the Trojans cannot be counted out either. While it’s unlikely they win the Sun Belt, Troy has a real chance to get close to 15-20 wins this year. And while 15 wins doesn’t guarantee a March Madness bid, the improvements made will go a long way.
Troy’s backcourt has been solid through the first nine games. This program is beginning to make a drastic shift in the conference. But getting wins this season may be tough as the Sun Belt is loaded at the top with athletic talent. It will take a lot of success on offense for Troy to make a run. But, the Trojans know what they are capable of. When the offense is connecting on mid-range shots, they are nearly unstoppable.
The Trojans draw Georgia State, Coastal Carolina, and App State at home. The Sun Belt is doing two games a weekend on Friday and Saturday. But, they also have to travel to those teams as well. Should Troy earn at least four or six wins in those home games, they stand a real chance at competing for the conference title. The chase for the Sun Belt championship doesn’t run through Troy as of now. But soon, it could if the Trojans start defeating the top teams.
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