Trojans Start Slow, Fall at Mercer

Tuesday, November 19

Macon, Ga.

6:00 p.m.

Troy University

2-2

Mercer

2-2

Troy

Mercer

Photo by: Chris Davis

11/19/2013 9:15:00 PM | Basketball (W)

Box Score

By: Matt Mays

Box Score | Photo Gallery

MACON, Ga. – The Troy women's basketball team fell into a 12-point hole early and never recovered as Mercer led throughout in an 86-81 win over the Trojans' on Tuesday at Hawkins Arena.

Troy (2-2) was down 17-5 just 6:35 into the game when Chanda Rigby had to call her second timeout. The Trojans cut the lead down to three points late in the first half, and also late in the second half, but Mercer (2-2) hit 25-of-27 free throws to stay a step ahead of the Trojans.

Joanna Harden led the Trojans with 24 points, 20 in the second half, on 8-of-15 shooting and 7-of-7 free throws. Ronita Garrett (17) and Chant Lewis (10) were in double figures off the bench while Brooke Bowie was the fourth Trojan in double figures with 13 points.

Bowie also led the Trojans with 12 rebounds for her first career double-double. Bowie had 10 points and eight boards in the first half as she was instrumental in getting the Trojans back into the game.

After starting the first half 2-of-10 from the field, the Trojans shot nearly 50 percent for the remainder of the opening frame and had possession down by three with 30 seconds remaining. A missed Troy shot then led to Kendra Grant's 15-foot jumper to give Mercer a five-point lead at the break.

Grant was one of five in double figures for the Bears, led by Precious Bridges' 25 points and 11-of-12 performance at the free throw line. Sharnea Boykin had a double-double for Mercer with 12 points and 10 assists.

The Bears, a 20-win team last year, shot 44.1 percent (30-of-68) for the game while Troy rebounded from its rough start to shoot 38.4 percent (28-of-73). Troy hit six 3-pointers compared to Mercer's one.

"We got down early and we never could dig ourselves out of that hole," Rigby said. "We fought hard the entire time but their height advantage was too much to have to overcome. We have the next four at home and we're looking forward to rebounding."

Mercer outrebounded the Trojans 48-40, led by 6-foot-5 Teanna Robinson who had a game-high 13 rebounds and five blocks.

The Trojans return to the floor next Tuesday when Alabama-Huntsville visit Trojan Arena for a 7 p.m. game.

For more information on Troy Athletics, visit TroyTrojans.com. Fans can also find Troy on Twitter and Instagram at @TroyAthletics and on Facebook at Facebook.com/TroyAthletics.