Troy Makes 40 Free Throws in Win Over Cajuns

The Troy Trojans made ten free throws during a 16-0 second half run that had Louisiana crying foul.

It got to the point where Cajuns' coach Bob Marlin could no longer watch.

The Cajuns' coach was ejected after receiving a double technical foul with 10:19 left and Troy used the free throw advantage to take a 100-88 win, sending Louisiana to its fourth straight loss.

Troy wound up making 40-50 from the free throw line, while the Cajuns were just 15-20.

The Cajuns (14-11, 4-8 Sun Belt) battled back from nine points down in the first half to take a 52-50 lead with 15:26 to play and led for the final time on a Bryce Washington layup with 13:15 remaining. But Kevin Baker hit a three point basket and Jeremy Hollimon scored on a layup to give Troy a four point lead. Justin Miller hit a pair of free throws to cut the lead to two at the 12:01 mark.

But over the next eight minutes, Troy would get to the free throw line 18 times before the Trojans would be called for another foul eight minutes later and that enabled Troy to extend their lead to 83-64 with 5:01 to play.

"I apologize for the language I used, but not for the behavior," Marlin said after the game. I thought the whistles were getting one sided and I was going to stick up for my guys. I'll have to deal with the Commissioner and the league Supervisor of Officials, but that's fine."

Jordan Varnado led Troy (13-12, 5-6) with 31 points and his 15 made free throws were the same amount as the Cajuns made as a team (15-20). Jeremy Hollimon came off the bench to add 25 points, including 10-14 from the charity stripe as the Cajuns were whistled for 33 fouls to 17 for the visitors. DeVon Walker chipped in 16 points (6-8 FT), and Wesley Person added 13.

"Once again, we were poor defensively," Marlin said. "We gave them 54% for the game and they're a good offensive bunch."

Jay Wright had another stellar game for the Cajuns with 26 points, including 7-12 from three point range. Frank Bartley IV added 17 points, while Justin Miller chipped in 16 and Bryce Washington 14.

"Jay was great again," Marlin said. "His hand was swollen after the Georgia Southern game and he had it taped up. But he gave us everything he had."

The Cajuns did their best to make a game of it, using a 16-4 run to get within six points with 1:10 to play, but Troy made 10-12 free throws for the final margin.

Louisiana is back in action Monday night against South Alabama at 7:05 at the Cajundome.