Troy Head Coach Bradley Dunn-meier said the Trojans came out fast and took the lead, but the Cougars came back in the second quarter, breaking a tie just before the half with a last second three-point shot.

By the end of the third quarter, Stillwater led 32-30, but Dunn-meier said the teams fought a “seesaw” battle in the final quarter, with Troy leading much of the time.

“We had several defensive breakdowns and turnovers in the fourth,” he said. “But our man-to-man defense stepped up and created turnovers of our own.”

At the end of the game, the Cougars sealed their lead with two free throws in the final 4 seconds.

Dunn-meier praised his team, pointing out Alex Freund’s performance in the post, with seven rebounds, 2 of them offensive.

AJ Faur and Dylan Cummings led the offense with five assists, and Faur played outstanding defense, causing numerous turnovers and getting five steals in the process, he said.

“All in all, we had several players who had a great game, but defensive and offensive miscues at the end by Troy was the difference,” he said.

Jan. 27

Stillwater 7 14 12 11 - 44

Troy 13 5 12 11 - 41

Troy: AJ Faur 2 points; Alex Freund 15 points, 7-8 FT; Dylan Cummings 8 points, 2-6 FT; Trevor Hoagland 3 points, 1-2 FT; Tyler Gromley 6 points; Ricki Fisher 4 points, 2-2 FT; Moxley Roesler-Begalke 3 points

Stillwater: Nick s 11 points; Elijah C 7 points, 2-2 FT; Jared F 9 points, 0-2 FT; Caleb C 2 points; Zack B 12 points, 2-5 FT; Conner D 2 points; Colton J 1 points, 1-2 FT