Part 4/6:
As the second half began, Troy appeared rejuvenated. The Trojans came out aggressively, outscoring the Cougars 10-7 in the early minutes and demonstrating improved ball control. Key players like Conway and Valdez started to shine, with Conway making noteworthy steals and fast-break layups, cutting into Houston's substantial lead.
Despite the Trojans' push, Houston's defense remained resilient. The Cougars effectively handled Troy’s attempts at penetrating the paint and maintained their rebounding advantage, which had been a significant factor in their first-half success. Throughout the second half, Houston showcased their depth and switch defense, effectively shutting down Troy’s offensive plays.