The North Alabama men’s basketball team traveled to play Troy University, November 24. The Trojans pulled away to win the game 77-58.

The Lions kept it close throughout the first half. North Alabama cut the lead in the first half at 30-28 thanks to Kendarius Smith’s three-pointer. Troy made five straight point with under two minutes to finish the first half out with a 7-point lead to make it 35-28 at halftime.

The final 20 minutes of regulation held true for the home court as Troy shot 59 percent throughout the second half. Troy came out with a quick six-point burst that led to a double digit lead. UNA had a swing of points go it’s way as Smith and Jamari Blackmon cut the lead back down to seven points at near the 16-minute mark.

Troy then made a dunk and a three pointer to move the lead back up to 12 points and UNA would not be able to cut the lead back down. The Lions only made nine shots in the second half while shooting 25.

The Trojans connected on 52.6 percent of their shots throughout the game. Troy’s hot second half led them to make 16 shots while throwing up 27 of them.

North Alabama had two players finish with double figures in points. The freshman, Blackmon, added on 15 points, while Smith led the way with 16 points for the Lions. This was Smith’s third straight game with points in double figures. Emanuel Littles also finished with 12 rebounds for UNA.

UNA played in Toledo Nov. 28.

Editor’s Note: The results of this game were unavailable during the printing of this edition of The Flor-Ala.

North Alabama will play only two games at home in a four week stretch until they start a tough ASUN schedule.

In this slate, they will go up against Gonzaga, Jacksonville State, UAB, and other big schools until they await their conference match ups.

The Lions first ASUN game is against North Florida University, January 5, at 5 pm in Jacksonville, Florida.