TROY, Ala.– Using speed and athleticism to its advantage, the first place Troy Trojans (15-3, 6-1 SBC) defeated Texas State 84-50 inside Trojan Arena on Thursday night. The Bobcats (7-11, 0-7 SBC) had a four-point lead after the first quarter, but the Trojans scored over 20 points in both the second and third quarters to pull away.

Texas State played well in the first quarter and led 17-13 after the first 10 minutes. Sophomore guard Kennedy Taylor dropped three helpers in the first quarter and the Bobcats assisted on five of their six made field goals. A 7-0 Texas State spurt over 1:27 during the middle of the period gave TXST the early advantage.

Junior forward Jayla Johnson led Texas State with 10 points, eight of which occurred in the first half. Taylor, the Sun Belt Conference's leader in assists per game (5.2 apg), registered five. Senior guard Bailey Holle played the most complete game for TXST and racked up eight points on a 2-for-3 performance from the floor with a three and a 3-for-4 evening at the foul line. She also led the squad in rebounds (6) and was second in assists (4).

The Trojans dominated the second quarter, 22-9, and outrebounded TXST, 19-5. Senior forward Japonica James scored 12 points and grabbed six boards in the stanza to put the Trojans up 35-26 at halftime.

Troy outscored Texas State in both the third (27-16) and fourth quarters (22-8) and shot 57% (21-for-37) from the field in the second half.

The Trojans, who lead the nation in rounding, dominated the battle of the boards, 65-27. Troy outscored Texas State 50-14 in the paint. The Bobcats did force the Trojans into 20 turnovers, their highest in Sun Belt play.

James tied her career-high of 28 points and grabbed 11 boards. Junior forward Alexus Dye scored 12 points and hauled in 16 rebounds off the bench. With the win, Troy took a slight 6-5 advantage in the all-time series.

Up Next

Texas State completes its Yellowhammer State road trip at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25 against South Alabama.

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