After the Trojans exhibition game this past Monday night against West Alabama, many had doubts leading up to today’s regular season home opener against Piedmont.

However, the Trojans put those doubts to rest after just a few minutes of play.

Troy set the tone from the tip-off and never let up as the team got its season started off with a monster 106-50 win over the Lions.

“Always good to start the season off 1-0,” Trojan head coach Don Maestri said after the game.

“We played better than we did in the exhibition game, but we didn’t shoot well from the 3-point line.

“For us to be really good, we have to play on all cylinders,” the coach added.

The Trojans started the game off on 15-5 run in the first half that would eventually lead to a 51-29-halftime lead.

The second half was more of the same from Troy as senior guards Brandon Hazzard and Michael Vogler helped the Trojans get off on a 13-2 run.

The lead would eventually surpass 50 points, as the Troy offense continued to knock down shots from all over the floor.

For the game, the Trojan offense was productive from the get-go, shooting 55.6 percent, making 45 of 81 shots.

From behind the arc, the Trojans shot just 35 percent however, connecting on seven of 20 shots.

The defense held the Lions to just 28 percent shooting from the floor and forced 19 turnovers.

“I thought we played well early on,” Maestri said.

“Our guys were exciting to get out on the court and it showed from the very beginning to the end.”

Four of the five Trojan starters scored double-digits, and Vogler led all scorers with 20 points and six assists.

“It felt pretty good to get out there on the court and play,” Vogler said.

“I think the team is coming together pretty good. Chemistry is important for a team, so I hope for good chemistry this season.”

Behind Vogler, forward Antywan Jones and Hazzard and fellow guards Richard Delk and Vernon Taylor each scored double-digits in points with 12, 19, 13 and 15, respectfully.

Jones also led all rebounders with nine.

“Hopefully, we will be able to continue to have a lot of scorers on the team,” Vogler said.

“The defense won’t be able to focus on just one guy, which will create opportunities for all of us.”

Even with the big win, Maestri said there is still a lot of work to be done.

“I think we are still uncomfortable at the five-position,” the coach said.

“I think with the more talent we play against, the more we have a chance to evaluate the position and get better.

“I am not quite sure what kind of a team we have here, but we will find out pretty soon,” he added.

Maestri and the Trojans will be back in action on Monday night as the team plays host to William Carey, from Hattiesburg, Miss.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.