TROY, Ala. – Riding a four-game winning streak, the Troy Trojans men’s basketball team is set to face rival South Alabama this Saturday afternoon in what promises to be an exciting Sun Belt Game of the Week. The matchup is scheduled to tip off at 3:33 p.m. from the Trojan Arena.
Troy (9-5, 2-0) is coming off an impressive 100–80 victory over Texas State, showcasing strong offensive prowess with a field goal percentage of 61.4% and a stunning 62.5% from beyond the arc. These figures mark the Trojans’ highest shooting performances against a Sun Belt opponent since 2015 and 2017, respectively. Thomas Dowd led the scoring for the Trojans with 22 points, marking his third game this season with over 20 points. The bench contributed significantly as well, with Jerrell Bellamy scoring 13 points along with seven rebounds, while Kerrington Kiel added nine points and made three steals.
Meanwhile, South Alabama (11-4, 2-1) recently secured a narrow 63–58 win over Louisiana in a tense face-off on Wednesday. Adam Olsen and Chaze Harris have been pivotal for the Jaguars, averaging 16.7 and 16.6 points per game, respectively. Olsen excels beyond the arc, ranking first in the Sun Belt and 46th nationally with an average of 3.0 three-pointers made per game. However, the Jaguars have struggled with fouls, leading the nation with an average of 11.7 fouls per game.
Historically, Troy and South Alabama have had a competitive rivalry. Last January, the teams faced off twice, with Troy rebounding from a loss in Mobile to secure a 65–55 victory at home, thanks in part to Cooper Campbell’s 12-point contribution. Currently, Troy holds a 15-31 all-time record against the Jaguars, making this matchup crucial for local bragging rights.
The game will be held at the Trojan Arena, which has a capacity of 5,200. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+ or listen through the Troy Sports Media Network.
Looking ahead, Troy will venture on the road for a rematch against Arkansas State in a Sun Belt Championship game on Wednesday, January 7, with tip-off set for 7 p.m.
This weekend’s clash not only offers the Trojans a chance to extend their winning streak but also serves as an opportunity to bolster their standings within the Sun Belt Conference, fostering excitement among fans and players alike.