- Location: Troy, Alabama
- Famous Alumni: Osi Umenyiora and Demarcus Ware
- Biggest strength: Defense causes havoc
- Biggest weakness: Offensive output
- Kentucky record vs. Troy: 1-0 (2018)
The Kentucky Wildcats are set to kick off their March Madness run against a hot Troy Trojans team on Friday. Sure, Big Blue Nation is confident, but this feisty underdog is riding a seven-game winning streak and has won eight of its last nine. Here’s a breakdown of everything Kentucky fans need to know before the opening-round matchup.
Troy’s Defense is No Joke
Troy’s calling card is its defense, and they’re one of the toughest teams in the nation at making life miserable for opponents. The Trojans allow just 66 points per game (27th nationally) and force tough shots all over the court, holding opponents to an effective field goal percentage of 47% (31st in the country).
Their ability to guard the paint is especially impressive, limiting teams to 46% on two-pointers (21st best in the nation). Kentucky’s big men will have their work cut out for them, as Troy swats away 4.5 shots per game (39th nationally). Not a great thing for Carr or Williams who both play below the rim.
Offense: A Work in Progress, But Not Helpless
Offensively, Troy doesn’t jump off the page. They score 73 points per game (180th in the nation) and shoot 43% from the field (230th). Their three-point shooting is particularly rough at just 30% (339th).
However, the Trojans get to the free-throw line at a high rate, with a 0.38 free-throw attempt-to-field-goal attempt ratio (49th nationally). They convert nearly 73% of their free throws, which is respectable. Kentucky also fouls at a high rate, this is something to keep an eye on.
Rebounding: Feast or Famine
Troy is absolutely relentless on the offensive boards. They average 12 offensive rebounds per game (11th nationally) and boast a jaw-dropping 38% offensive rebounding percentage (4th in the country).
But there’s a flip side. Their defensive rebounding is a disaster, ranking 276th nationally by securing just 70% of available defensive rebounds. If Kentucky’s frontcourt attacks the glass, it could be a long night for Troy. In essence, they are total opposites to Kentucky who dominates defensive rebounding but struggles getting extra shots with offensive rebounding.
Creating Chaos Through Turnovers
Here’s where Troy can get Kentucky into trouble: The Trojans rank 13th in steals per game (9.1) and force turnovers on 17% of opponent possessions (60th nationally). Their defensive pressure could spell disaster if the Wildcats are careless with the basketball.
Kentucky -10.5 is wild.
— Jersey Junkie (@DaJerseyJunkie) March 17, 2025
Troy has nobody that can guard Amari.
Kentucky has played 1 game vs a sub 80 KenPom team that covered that spread. (Colgate) Only 1 other game (Western Kentucky) besides that one was within 20 points.
Do with that information what you will.
Players to Watch
Tayton Conerway (Guard): This guy is the real deal. He’s averaging 19 points, six rebounds, and four assists per game over the last month, along with a whopping three steals per contest. Kentucky’s guards will need to keep him in check.
Thomas Dowd (Forward): A double-double machine with 13 points and nine rebounds per game over the last month. His toughness and knack for grabbing boards could keep Troy in the game.
Myles Rigsby (Forward): Another solid scorer, putting up 16 points per game with decent rebounding over the last month. Kentucky can’t afford to lose track of him.
Troy’s Weaknesses Are Clear
While Troy’s defense and offensive rebounding are impressive, their flaws are just as obvious. Their 13.3 turnovers per game (311th nationally) is alarming, and their poor defensive rebounding percentage leaves them vulnerable to Kentucky’s bigs crashing the glass.
Their losses to top-tier teams like Arkansas (65-49), Oregon (82-61), and Houston (62-42) highlight their struggles against elite competition. But here’s the catch: That was before they got hot.
Keys to a Kentucky Victory
To avoid a massive first-round upset, Kentucky needs to:
Dominate the Glass: Exploit Troy’s weak defensive rebounding and pile up second-chance points.
Avoid Turnover Issues: Troy’s ball-hawking defense can make life difficult if the Wildcats aren’t careful.
Attack the Rim: Get Troy’s shot-blockers in foul trouble and create high-percentage looks.
Can Kentucky Handle the Heat?
If Kentucky comes out locked in and ready to battle, they should have the firepower and depth to pull away from Troy. But if the Wildcats get careless with the ball or let Troy’s defensive pressure dictate the pace, things could get uncomfortable.
This one has all the makings of a classic “don’t let them hang around” type of game. Kentucky fans, buckle up.