Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Troy Trojans (6-6) women’s basketball team capped off their appearance at the Cherokee Tournament in North Carolina on Thursday with a 77-69 win over the Arkansas Razorbacks (6-8) to take third place.

The win marks Chanda Rigby’s third win over an SEC foe since taking over at Troy and the fifth win over an SEC opponent in Troy women’s history.

Troy led 18-14 going into the second quarter and took a slim 35-31 lead at halftime. Arkansas cut the lead to 57-54 going into the fourth, but the Trojans outscored the Razorbacks 20-15 in the final period to secure the win.

Troy shot 39 percent from the field, while holding Arkansas to 34.2 percent shooting. The Trojans outrebounded Arkansas 57-44 and outscored the Razorbacks 44-32 in the paint. Troy also scored 24 points on fast breaks compared to Arkansas’ 11. The Trojans forced 13 turnovers, as well.

“What a way to go into the Christmas break. We went out there and worked hard for that win over Arkansas,” Troy Coach Chanda Rigby said. “The team showed just how high our ceiling can be. We had to respond after the heartbreaking loss last night. We had to pick our emotions back up to be able to do what we did today.

“And that’s what I’m most proud of. The key was how we started the game. The starters came out and played together, which gave us the advantage. Our defense translated into other things working well for us. It allowed our offense to get into a flow. Our post players had the biggest response. We were outrebounded last night, but everyone from Zay to Mo to Emma came in and did their job. This is the best Christmas present I could’ve asked for, and I can’t wait to get into SBC play.”

Zay Dyer and Brianna Jackson both earned double-doubles for the Troy women with Dyer tallying 23 points, 18 rebounds, two assists and two blocks, while Jackson earned 10 points, 12 rebounds and a block. Shaualana Wagner continued her string of strong performances with 15 points, eight rebounds, nine assists and two steals, while Briana Peguero added 12 points and three steals. Ashley Baez also chipped in with 10 points, five rebounds and two steals.

Over the last three games, Wagner has averaged 17 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and two steals along with capturing Sun Belt Player of the Week and becoming the first Trojan in Division I school history to earn a triple-double.

Arkansas was led in the loss by Izzy Higginbottom with 19 points and seven assists, while Kiki Smith added 13 points and three steals.

Troy will take a small break for Christmas and return to action on the road as Sun Belt Conference play begins against James Madison on Dec. 29.