TROY, Ala. – In a Saturday afternoon showdown, the Shorter Hawks (2-5, 0-1 Gulf South) battled with the Troy Trojans (2-6, 0-0 Sun Belt) in an exhibition contest. Despite an early lead, the Trojans slashed the Hawks and won 104-53.
 
Before making the move to NCAA Division I, the Trojans were members of the Gulf South Conference, winning a pair of conference titles in 1976-1977 and 1990-1991.
 
With a pair of early buckets from Frenki Lilaj and Keeving Etienne and a couple free throws sank by Bryan Polanco, the Hawks jumped to a 6-3 lead that they carried to the first media timeout. Over the next 3:47, the Trojans swung the momentum with a 15-2 run and never looked back.
 
At halftime, the Hawks trailed 44-22 with Jay Shropshire leading the way with 10 points.
 
Immediately after the break, the Trojans continued to shoot the ball well. Within the first 10 minutes of the second half, Troy shot 70% and stretched their lead to 40.
 
Behind Shropshire's 10 points, Lilaj and Ricky Knight Jr. both posted nine points for the Hawks. Knight Jr. also dished out a team-high four assists on Saturday. Etienne finished with six points and a team-high six rebounds.
 
Up Next:
Next Saturday, Shorter will return home to the Winthrop-King Centre to take on Young Harris College. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. ET. For more information, visit goshorterhawks.com.