Troy University’s men’s basketball team lost to Texas State on Wednesday night in San Marcos, with a final score of 74-62. The Trojans were unable to take the lead at any point during the game and struggled offensively, making only 17 field goals.
Victor Valdes led Troy (17-9, 9-4) with 22 points and was effective at drawing fouls, converting 12 of his 16 free throw attempts. Theo Seng contributed by hitting four three-pointers in the first half, setting a personal best for threes made in a single game.
Texas State (16-11, 8-6) shot nearly 60 percent from the field and scored most of their points inside, finishing with just two successful three-point shots out of nine attempts. DJ Hall led Texas State with 22 points on efficient shooting.
The Bobcats started strong with early baskets from Hall and Kaden Gumbs. Seng put Troy on the scoreboard with a three-pointer on their fourth possession. Despite Seng’s efforts, Texas State built a lead using a six-point run midway through the first half. Kyndall Davis added one of Texas State’s two threes as they maintained their advantage by shooting over 63 percent in the opening period.
Troy narrowed the gap before halftime after Thomas Dowd hit his first three-pointer and Valdes made two free throws. At halftime, Texas State led by seven points.
In the second half, Troy continued to struggle offensively, missing its first four shots before Valdes ended the drought with a layup. Although Cooper Campbell hit key three-pointers for Troy late in the game—once cutting Texas State’s lead to single digits—the Trojans could not close the gap further as Texas State secured stops defensively and finished strong.
Afterward, Head Coach Scott Cross said: “Texas State was a more physical, tougher team than us tonight. Mentally, it didn’t seem like we were ready to play. It wasn’t our night, and I think the crowd definitely affected our guys. We didn’t shoot the ball well, but they shot nearly 60% from the field. If you don’t play better defense than that, you don’t have a chance. We have to regroup. I like our group, and I think we’ll be better in the next one.”
Valdes’ performance marked his third game this season making at least ten free throws. Seng set his career high for three-pointers made in a game—all coming in the first half—and Troy recorded only nine assists as a team; it was just their second time this season finishing under ten assists in a contest.
The loss puts Troy’s all-time record against Texas State at ten wins and thirteen losses.
Next up for Troy is an away game against Southern Miss on Saturday night at 7 p.m., which will be available via ESPN+ streaming and on radio through the Troy Sports Media Network.
