Troy University’s basketball team, under the guidance of Coach Scott Cross, is making waves this season. In his seventh year as head coach, Cross has spearheaded the Trojans to a commendable 107-89 record and their first NCAA Tournament appearance since the 2016-17 season. Recently, the Trojans clinched a thrilling double overtime victory over San Diego State, edging out the Aztecs 108-107 in a gripping contest that marked their third game on a challenging West Coast trip, where they currently stand at 1-2 in the Pacific time zone.
As they gear up for their upcoming matchup against USC, who holds a 3-0 record, Troy boasts impressive statistics. The team is ranked 17th in the NCAA for steals, averaging 11.8 per game, and leads the Sun Belt Conference in several categories, including assist-to-turnover ratio and turnovers forced per game.
Sophomore guard Cooper Campbell is a standout for the Trojans, averaging 15.8 points per game with an impressive shooting percentage of 58.7%. Defensively, junior forward Thomas Dowd is a key player, ranking 25th in the NCAA with an average of 7.4 rebounds per game while also contributing 14.2 points per game.
USC’s men’s basketball team is set to host Troy on Thursday, November 20, at the Galen Center at 7 p.m. This matchup marks a rare encounter, with the two teams having faced each other only once before in 2016, where USC emerged victorious with an 82-77 scoreline. In their most recent game, the Trojans from USC showcased their prowess with a convincing 87-67 victory over Illinois State, featuring a solid performance that included just four turnovers—a feat not seen since January 2022.
With both teams displaying strong performances thus far, fans can expect an exciting showdown as Troy seeks to build on their recent success against a talented USC squad. The Trojans are proving they are a competitive force to be reckoned with this season, looking to make their mark on the national stage.