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Kentucky’s Dominance: Troy Falls in NCAA Tournament Showdown!

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – In a highly anticipated NCAA Tournament first-round matchup, the No. 3 seed Kentucky Wildcats showcased their dominance against the No. 14 seed Troy Trojans, winning decisively with a final score of 76-57 on March 21, 2025. This victory not only marked a significant milestone for Kentucky but also brought an end to one of the best seasons in Troy’s basketball history.

The game took place at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where fans were treated to an exciting contest. Troy, having qualified for the NCAA Tournament as the Sun Belt Conference champions, entered the game with high hopes, riding a wave of momentum from a successful season that saw them finish with a 23-11 record. This was their third NCAA Tournament appearance and their first since 2017.

A Strong Start for Troy

Troy began the game with energy, briefly taking the lead at 9-7. However, as the first half progressed, the Trojans faced challenges with their shooting, particularly from beyond the arc. Despite a valiant effort, Troy struggled to maintain their early momentum and found themselves trailing 35-27 at halftime after Kentucky’s late surge, which included a 10-0 run.

Key players for Troy included Myles Rigsby, who led the team with 17 points, and Tayton Conerway, who added 12 points, marking his 27th double-digit scoring game of the season. Unfortunately, Troy’s shooting percentage was a mere 34.9%, a stark contrast to Kentucky’s effective 47.5%.

Kentucky’s Physicality Shines

As the second half unfolded, Kentucky’s physical defense became increasingly evident. The Wildcats, led by Otega Oweh, who scored a game-high 20 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, capitalized on Troy’s turnovers and missed opportunities. Andrew Carr also made significant contributions, scoring 13 points and helping to solidify Kentucky’s control of the game.

A pivotal moment came when Kentucky launched a 16-0 run, extending their lead to 61-39. This stretch proved decisive as Troy could not recover from the deficit, ultimately trailing by as much as 24 points before the game concluded.

Coach’s Reflections

Troy’s head coach, Scott Cross, expressed his disappointment following the game but also highlighted the positives from the season. “It was disappointing to lose the basketball game. Our guys played hard,” Cross remarked. He acknowledged the challenges posed by Kentucky’s size and depth, particularly in the paint, where Amari Williams was a formidable presence.

Despite the loss, Cross emphasized gratitude for the team’s achievements throughout the season. “I want them to remember the great things that happened throughout the year,” he stated, reflecting on the hard work and determination that defined Troy’s journey.

The Road Ahead for Kentucky

With this victory, Kentucky advances to the next round of the NCAA Tournament, where they will face the winner of the matchup between Illinois and Xavier. This win also marked Mark Pope’s first NCAA Tournament victory as head coach of Kentucky, further solidifying his leadership role within the program.

Conclusion: A Season to Remember for Troy

While the loss was a tough pill to swallow for Troy, the team can take pride in their accomplishments this season. With a record of 23-11, they have laid a strong foundation for future success. The experience gained from competing in the NCAA Tournament will undoubtedly serve them well in the coming years.

In summary, Kentucky’s victory over Troy was a testament to their resilience and skill, showcasing the contrasting styles of play that ultimately favored the Wildcats. As the tournament progresses, fans will eagerly watch to see how Kentucky continues to perform on this grand stage.
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