Troy men’s basketball fell to South Alabama 65–54 on Saturday afternoon in Mobile, despite a standout 26-point performance from Cooper Campbell. The Trojans struggled offensively, recording their lowest shooting percentage of the season at just 24.5 percent (13-of-53) from the field. South Alabama’s zone defense limited Troy’s opportunities inside, forcing the team to attempt 42 shots from beyond the arc, with only 10 finding their mark.
Campbell led Troy (18–11, 10–6) with a career-high seven three-pointers, finishing 8-of-19 overall and 7-of-17 from long range. For South Alabama (20–9, 10–6), Jayden Cooper and Chaze Harris each scored 17 points as part of four Jaguars who reached double figures.
Jerrell Bellamy opened scoring for Troy with two free throws on the team’s first possession. However, an early field goal drought allowed South Alabama to take a five-point lead by the first media timeout. Thomas Dowd briefly put Troy ahead with a step-back three-pointer before Hanz Louis Jeune hit consecutive threes to give South Alabama its largest lead of the first half at 31–20.
Campbell closed out the opening period strong with three quick three-pointers to help cut into South Alabama’s advantage. The Jaguars led at halftime, 33–26.
Early in the second half, Troy went on an eight-point run to narrow the gap to two points at 36–34. The teams exchanged baskets until Campbell hit back-to-back threes to bring Troy within one point midway through the half. A cold spell followed for Troy as they missed eleven of their next thirteen shots over several minutes.
Campbell ended that stretch with a steal and layup while drawing a foul; his free throw tied it at 49-all with just over seven minutes remaining. But after Adam Olsen’s late three-pointer extended South Alabama’s lead again, Troy was unable to recover offensively and managed only free throws down the stretch.
Olsen’s layup in the final minute sealed victory for South Alabama as they pulled away by nine points.
Afterward, Head Coach Scott Cross said: “[South Alabama] played a great game. We did not shoot the ball very well. It’s hard to win when you shoot 25% from the field. Obviously they make you take 3-point shots, they do a great job of packing everything into the paint. We just couldn’t see the ball go in enough. I love our basketball team and I’m thankful to the good Lord to get to coach this team. The good thing is we still control our own destiny.”
Thomas Dowd finished with ten points and eight rebounds while playing all forty minutes; his rebound total moved him into third place all-time for Division I players at Troy with 698 career boards.
Troy will return home Tuesday night against Louisiana at Trojan Arena; tip-off is set for 6 p.m., and fans can watch live on ESPN+ or listen via audio broadcast on the Troy Sports Media Network.
