Emani Jenkins’ 22 points leads Troy in decisive win over Texas State

By: Jacob De Luna

KTSW Reporter

SAN MARCOS, Texas – Troy guard Emani Jenkins led the Trojans in scoring with 22 points and six three-pointers against Texas State, resulting in a decisive 105-58 victory. 

Other key contributors for the Trojans in the win against the Bobcats were guards Briana Peguero and Brianna Jackson. Peguero finished the game with 17 points, four rebounds and also connected on four of her five three-point attempts. Jackson recorded a stat-line of 14 points, seven rebounds and two blocks against Texas State. 

One bright spot Texas State will focus on despite the looming defeat, is the achievement of 1,000 total points for senior Jaylin Foster. Foster surpassed the mark in the matchup against the Trojans, scoring a team-high of 12 points and also grabbing five rebounds. 

Lack of rebounding, too many turnovers and low-shooting percentages are where Texas State lost the game. The Bobcats committed 17 total turnovers compared to the Trojans’ 11. Texas State was out rebounded 46-35 by Troy, the #1 ranked team in the entire nation for rebounds per game (49.6).

Troy finished the game shooting 54.4% from the field, 50% from three and 81% from the free-throw line. Texas State shot 28.4% from the field, 25% from three and 76.5% from the free throw line. 

“It is gonna be our job as coaches to help them understand there is always going to be peaks and valleys. You cannot be so up and down,” said Bobcats head coach Zenarae Antoine. “We talked about the gutsy win and that performance [against Old Dominion], and then turning around to not play with that same level of heart and passion.” 

Texas State posts a home record of 3-7 this season while also having a 6-2 record for games played on the road. The maroon and gold are 1-4 at home during the month of January with one game remaining in the month.

“The juxtaposition of us [playing] on the road versus home is so stark. I have really pushed myself and our coaching staff to help our young women understand you have to get that piece corrected,” said Antoine. “Whatever it is that happens at home, does not happen on the road. What happens on the road does not happen at home and we need to bring that fighting mentality back at home.” 

The Troy Trojans took control of this game early and did not relinquish it whatsoever. The Trojans outscored Texas State 27-10 in the opening quarter. By halftime Troy increased their double-digit lead to 52-24, doubling the total points of Texas State. 

In the third quarter, the Trojans were not satisfied with the lead they previously built in the first-half. Troy finished the third quarter with an insurmountable 82-35 lead over Texas State. Although the Bobcats produced their best scoring output in the fourth and final quarter with 23 points, the Trojan lead could not be cut into. 

There are 11 games left in the season for Texas State as they sit with a 9-9 record overall and a 3-5 Sun Belt Conference record. The Bobcats will host the University of Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. The Warhawks are 7-11 this season and are 2-3 in their last five games.