Troy University’s men’s basketball team secured a 59–49 victory over South Alabama in a defensive contest on Saturday afternoon in Troy, Alabama. The Trojans improved their record to 10-5 overall and 3-0 in Sun Belt Conference play.
Thomas Dowd led the Trojans with an all-around performance, posting 18 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks. Cobi Campbell added 15 points, hitting a career-high five three-pointers. Victor Valdes contributed with key baskets and recorded a career-high four steals.
South Alabama started the game strong with a 6-0 run before Troy responded with seven straight points sparked by Valdes’ first basket. After gaining the lead early, Troy maintained it for the rest of the game.
The first half was marked by tough defense from both teams, including a four-minute stretch without any field goals. Dowd’s block on John Broom followed by his fourth three-pointer of the half helped send Troy into halftime ahead 30-23.
Troy opened the second half on an 11-0 run featuring two threes from Cooper Campbell. However, after building a substantial lead, Troy endured a scoring drought lasting more than six minutes that allowed South Alabama to cut the deficit to four points.
A late layup from Valdes and another three-pointer from Cobi Campbell helped secure the win for Troy as they finished with their lowest point total of the season but held South Alabama to just 49 points—the fewest they have allowed against a Division I opponent since March 1, 2014.
Head Coach Scott Cross commented: “We’re thankful to the good Lord for this victory. What a hard-fought game. Both teams are really good teams. Credit to South and their zone. They force you to shoot shots, and you have to knock them down. Luckily, we have good enough 3-point shooters to hit a high enough percentage to be able to win this basketball game.”
Other notable statistics included Troy attempting a season-high 42 three-pointers (making 13) and recording six blocked shots—a season best for the team.
With this result, Troy is now undefeated through its first three Sun Belt games for the third consecutive year and has improved its all-time record against South Alabama to 16-31.
Troy’s next matchup will be on January 7th when they travel for a rematch against Arkansas State in Jonesboro at 7 p.m., which will be broadcast on ESPN+.
