Trojans win again, push streak to five

The Troy Trojans (8-6) won their fifth straight basketball game Tuesday when they beat Stillwater Christian on the road, 60-42.

The streaking Trojans increased their scoring output every quarter, tallying six points in the opening frame and ending with a 30-point fourth quarter that transformed a one-point contest into a blowout.

“Stillwater is a very disciplined team,” Troy Coach Cory Andersen said. “They are patient on offense and we kind of matched that in the first half. We were hesitant to shoot against their zone. I encouraged them to be aggressive. They made some shots and their confidence picked up.”

The 2-3 zone, a high school staple, perfected in college by Syracuse University’s Jim Boehim and outlawed in the NBA, clogs the interior and dares teams to shoot three-pointers. The tactic troubled the Trojans earlier in the season and again in the first half, but this team has improved significantly.

“We just came out and finally started playing basketball in the second half,” senior guard Gabe Hickman said.

Hickman led all scorers with 25 points. Sophomore post Sean Opland scored 20 points and junior slasher Gage Tallmadge chipped in 10 points. The offensive three-headed monster has fueled Troy’s recent success. During the five-game span, Hickman has averaged 18.8 points, Tallmadge has averaged 13.2 points and Opland has averaged 12.6 points.

“With three guys scoring, it takes us to another level,” Andersen said. “Sean has improved around the basket. He still misses some, but we’re getting him to settle. Gage is shooting with confidence and has really picked up his scoring.”

Peter Venmen led Stillwater Christian with 12 points.

The Trojans travel to Bigfork on Friday for a 7 p.m. tip-off. On Saturday, they host Ronan at 5 p.m.

Troy                6 9 15 30–60

S. Christian     13 8 10 11–42

S. Christian 37, Troy 22: At Kalispell, the Lady Trojans (2-12) struggled to score early on Tuesday, dropping the first quarter 9-2. Troy found a bit of offense in the third quarter, but so did Stillwater Christian, who won the quarter 16-9.

Sarah Paolini led all scorers and rebounders with 18 points and 16 boards.

Lady Trojan Caitlin Johnston led Troy with 10 points.

The Lady Trojans travel to Bigfork on Friday for a 5 p.m. start. On Saturday, they host Ronan at 3 p.m.

Troy:                2 5   9  6–22

S. Christian:    9 6 16 6–37