Troy defeats Marshall 70-63

Troy Tops Marshall in Conference Showdown at Home

The Trojan Arena was electric on Saturday evening as the host Trojans (70) edged out the visiting Marshall Thundering Herd (63) in a closely contested conference matchup.

For the home team, led by senior forward Victor Valdes, who poured in 18 points, it was a night to remember. Valdes' all-around performance – including six assists and nine rebounds – set the tone for Troy's balanced attack. Thomas Dowd chipped in with 13 points, 9 rebounds, and a pair of steals, while his teammates contributed to a strong defensive effort that limited Marshall to just 44.3% shooting.

On the other side, Marshall came into the game looking to extend their winning streak but ultimately fell short. The Herd's Noah Otshudi led all scorers with 22 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome Troy's stifling defense. Erich Harding paced Marshall with nine rebounds and seven points, but the team struggled from beyond the arc, going just 3-5.

Troy's victory not only marked their first win in conference play but also showcased their ability to adapt and execute under pressure. The home crowd played a significant role in energizing the Trojans throughout the contest, which was tied at halftime before Troy pulled away for good in the second half.

Marshall, meanwhile, will look to regroup and refocus ahead of a crucial stretch in the conference schedule. Despite the loss, Otshudi's impressive performance serves as a bright spot for a team that will need to find ways to overcome similar defensive challenges if they hope to stay atop their division.

With this win, Troy takes sole possession of first place in the conference standings and solidifies their position as a contender for the postseason.