The Arkansas State Red Wolves and the Troy Trojans meet Thursday in Sun Belt Tournament college basketball action from Pensacola Bay Center. Arkansas State is 13-19 overall and coming off a Tuesday tournament win over Coastal Carolina. As for Troy, they’re sitting at 19-12 on the year following a win over Coastal Carolina back on Friday. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.
Arkansas State Red Wolves
Arkansas State’s year began on a 9-15 run through 24 games. The Red Wolves finished off the regular season with a rough 3-4 stretch, falling to Texas State, Georgia Southern, Troy and Louisiana with wins over Coastal Carolina, Georgia State and LA-Monroe otherwise.
In the tournament matchup against Coastal Carolina, the Red Wolves held a four-point edge at halftime. Arkansas State hit a 52-39 run in the second half for an 86-69 victory. Terrance Ford scored 25 points and Omar El-Sheikh doubled on 13 points with 15 rebounds.
Troy Trojans
Over on the Troy side, they managed a 13-11 run over their first 24 outings of the year. The Trojans are a nice 6-1 in their last seven with wins over Texas State, South Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas State, LA-Monroe and Coastal Carolina in that time.
Back on Friday versus Coastal Carolina, the Trojans jumped out to a 49-31 halftime lead. Troy kept it rolling on a 46-43 second half and cruised to the 95-74 blowout win. Tops in scoring was Christyon Eugene with 19 points and four rebounds.
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’ll probably take a stab on Arkansas State here. The Red Wolves are 3-1 in their last four games, scoring 74 or more points in three of those. Arkansas State lost to Troy 66-54 back on January 7 in these teams’ first meeting of the season, however they did better in the rematch on February 16 at ASU Convocation Center. The Red Wolves hung around most of the game and managed a 67-62 victory in that one. Troy has been scoring very well with 78 or more points in three straight. Arkansas State is going to have to get off to a great start but I think they’re capable of posting a cover.