STATESBORO, Ga. (Interstat) — Troy edged Georgia Southern 83-78 in a Sun Belt Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Hanner Fieldhouse. The Trojans improved to 15-6 while the Eagles fell to 13-9.

Victor Valdes led all scorers with 22 points for Troy. Thomas Dowd added a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Georgia Southern was paced by Tavarus Webb with 17 points and Alden Applewhite with 19.

Troy secured the win with advantages in offensive rebounding and free throws, converting 18 of 24 attempts. Georgia Southern made 11 three-pointers but committed eight turnovers that led to only 10 Troy points. The Trojans’ interior presence proved decisive, outscoring the Eagles 38-28 in the paint.