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On Sunday, the Troy Trojans (3-5) closed out their grueling eight-game road stretch to open the 2024-2025 women’s basketball season with a 66-65 loss to the Mississippi Valley State Devilettes (1-5).

While Troy outscored Mississippi Valley State 34-27 in the first half, the Devilettes came storming back in the second half and managed to outscore the Trojans 24-19 in the third quarter and 15-12 in the fourth quarter. Mississippi Valley State went on an 11-0 run late in the fourth quarter that gave the Devilettes a 64-61 lead. After the score reached 66-65, neither team managed to score another point for the final 2:33 of game action.

“We’re coming off a very disappointing loss to Mississippi Valley State,” Troy Coach Chanda Rigby said. “They did a great job attacking us in places where we’ve shown vulnerability this season. We did double their rebounds, but when you shoot a very low percentage and turn the ball over, it’s a deadly combination.

“They scored over 30 points off our turnovers. Overall, we had a lack of poise. We have some things to fix and are sad about the loss. We’re in a humble place. But we will get back to the drawing board so we can get better.”

Troy shot 31.1 percent from the field and just 19 percent from three-point range, while the Devilettes shot 43.1 percent from the field and 11.8 percent from three-point range. While Troy dominated the boards 60-39, the Trojans also turned the ball over 27 times, which led to 30 points for Mississippi Valley State.

Zay Dyer led Troy with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Ashley Baez earned 12 points, five rebounds and three steals. Shaula Wagner chipped in with nine points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. For Mississippi Valley State, Shakira Gresham led the way with 13 points and six rebounds.

Troy will finally open its home schedule this Wednesday, Dec. 4, against Oakwood at noon.