On March 18, number 13 seed, Troy takes on number 4 in Nebraska in the N-C double, a tournament on Thursday March 19 at 1140, a.m. at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The Trojans enter with 22 wins, their fifth straight 21 season, plus Sunbelt regular season and tournament titles. It's their highest seed ever and fourth tournament trip overall.
Troy's run has been powered by key players like Junior Thomas Dowd who's posted a double double average of 14.8 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. Victor Voudes matches Dowd scoring at 14.8 while Jarrell Bellamy stepped up after an injury averaging 15.3 points. On nearly 70% shooting since mid-February, coach Scott Cross earned conference coach of the year honors for the second time. Nebraska brings a 26 and 6 record, including a 15 and 5 mark in Big Ten play.
The Huskers started high to 20-0 before cooling the 6 and 6 lately, led by Price Samford's 17.8 points in sharp. Three-point shooting, their atop defensive squad, holding opponents under 67 points per game. Both teams chase their first tournament win, with Troy falling to Kentucky last year and Nebraska losing in the Big Ten quarters to Purdue. Troy stands out as one of just five squads nationwide to claim both conference regular season and tournament crowns the past two years.
Fans can catch the game on True TV. The March Madness Live app, or MAX, with radio options nationwide or on Troy's network. This match promises a battle between two hungry programs on College Hoops' big stage. Made in A.I.