Full Breakdown
Troy Trojans Secure Dramatic Victory Over UAB Blazers
12/15/2025, 10:28:16 PM
Thrilling Game Summary
On December 14, 2025, the Troy Trojans (7-5) achieved a dramatic 86-85 victory against the UAB Blazers (7-4) in a non-conference college basketball matchup held at Bartow Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. The game concluded with a buzzer-beater from Thomas Dowd, who capitalized on a missed three-pointer by teammate Cobi Campbell. Dowd's follow-up shot secured the win for Troy, sending the team into celebration.
Key Performers
Victor Valdes led the Trojans with a game-high 26 points, contributing significantly to the team's offensive efforts. Other notable performances included Cooper Campbell, who scored 14 points and provided nine assists, and Theo Seng, who added 12 points. Dowd finished the game with 11 points and six rebounds. For UAB, Ahmad Robinson was a standout player, scoring 25 points and dishing out eight assists, while Salim London contributed 19 points in his starting role.
Game Dynamics
Troy initially held a 12-point lead in the second half, but UAB mounted a comeback with an 18-4 run, ultimately taking an 85-84 lead with just 3.7 seconds remaining. The game was characterized by back-and-forth scoring, with both teams showcasing strong offensive capabilities. Troy's effective shooting from beyond the arc, hitting 14 of 28 three-point attempts, played a crucial role in their victory.
Official Statements & Responses
Troy's head coach, Scott Cross, expressed pride in his team's performance, stating, “All the adversity we’ve been through... I feel like our guys really deserve this.” UAB's coach, Andy Kennedy, criticized his team's effort, noting, “When you score 85 points in your own building, you should win the game,” and emphasized the need for improved intensity from his players.
Criticism & Opposition
Kennedy's remarks highlighted frustrations regarding UAB's defensive lapses, particularly in securing rebounds and contesting shots. Despite out-rebounding Troy 33-29, UAB allowed nine offensive boards, which led to 12 second-chance points for the Trojans. This inconsistency in effort was a focal point of Kennedy's post-game comments.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the game statistics indicate a close contest, discrepancies arose regarding the effectiveness of UAB's defense, with some sources suggesting that Troy's shooting was the primary factor in their win, while others pointed to UAB's failure to capitalize on their scoring opportunities.
What's Next
Following this matchup, UAB will host Cleveland State on December 17, 2025, while Troy prepares to face Marshall on December 21, 2025. Both teams will look to build on their performances as they continue their respective seasons.
Verbatim Quotes
- “All the adversity we’ve been through and the close games where we’ve gotten no breaks, I feel like our guys really deserve this,” — Scott Cross, Head Coach, Troy Trojans
- “When you score 85 points in your own building, you should win the game,” — Andy Kennedy, Head Coach, UAB Blazers
