Jacksonville University Posts Season-High 86 Points in Win over Troy

Strategic Insights -

The Jacksonville University Dolphins achieved a rare feat of scoring more than 40 points in both halves, besting Troy 86-73 in a Monday night matchup at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. This marked a significant turnaround for JU, which had struggled in the first half of the season. The team's balanced performance was highlighted by four players scoring in double figures, including Ben Smith, who broke out of a first-half slump with 10 points in the second half. This win came on the heels of the Dolphins' emphasis on starting strong in practice, a strategy that paid off as they averaged 41 points in the first half, a significant improvement over their first nine games.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jacksonville University scored season-high totals in points (86) and assists (27) in their 86-73 win over Troy.
  • The Dolphins had four players score in double figures, with Marcus Allen leading the way with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
  • Ayron Hardy scored a career-high 16 points, while Aric Brooks added 10 points off the bench.
  • Ben Smith, JU's leading scorer at 17.7 points per game, was held to six points through the first 25 minutes but finished with 16 points.
  • Troy struggled from beyond the arc, making only 7 of 25 three-point attempts.
  • JU coach Cliff Warren praised the team's effort, mentioning their 17 offensive rebounds and 27 assists as positives.
  • The Dolphins will visit East Tennessee State on Saturday.

Statistics:

  • Jacksonville University scored 41 points in the first half, a significant increase from their first nine games (26.7 points per half).
  • The Dolphins had 27 assists, a season high.
  • Troy made only 7 of 25 three-point attempts.
  • The Trojans' Michael Vogler scored 16 points, and Mario Telfair contributed 15 points in the loss.
  • JU's Ben Smith scored 16 points after a slow start, with 10 of those coming in a 14-3 surge in the second half.
  • The Dolphins had 13 steals and 42 rebounds in the win.

Sources:

  • jeff.elliott@jacksonville.com
  • (904) 359-4292