For the first time in many years, there was basketball at Hobart Arena. Troy celebrated their 100 years of basketball with a doubleheader against the Red Devils on Saturday night, as several of the former Trojan male and female players returned to Troy to be recognized on this special celebration.

Many figured that playing in an arena like Hobart would cause a difficulty in shooting from the outside, but don’t tell that to Allison Mader. The Tipp sophomore connected on four of the eight total three-point shots hit by the Red Devils, as they cruised to a 54-36 victory over the Trojans. She scored 18 points to lead everyone on the night.

“It was a nice bounce back win for us after the Shawnee game, and we tried to focus on communication and talking a little bit more,” Tipp coach Andy Holderman said. “In the second quarter, we got some pressure on them and it helped get things rolling for us.”

Troy led early 4-3 before Tipp put together a 7-2 run in the first period to take a 10-6 lead with 2:10 left in the opening period. Maddy Taylor answered for the Trojans with a layup, and when Alaura Holycross hit a short jumper, the Trojans tied the game late in the first period. Sammie Rowland busted a big three at the end of the quarter and Tipp took the 13-10 lead.

Tipp opened the gap in the second period, when Mader and Taylor Prall hit consecutive three’s and the Red Devils took a 23-12 lead with 4:53 left until the half. Both teams exchanged free throws and when Holycross scored from five feet out Troy cut their deficit to 28-15. Holycross added another free throw late in the half, as Tipp took a 12-point lead into the half.

Tipp never looked back in the second half, as they went on a 9-0 run in the third period, including four points from Rowland to push their lead out to 37-18 with 3:50 left in the third period.

Bailey Dornbusch answered to finally stop the bleeding for the Trojans, but 30 seconds later, Mader fired in another three to keep the momentum with Tipp.

Troy ended the third quarter on a 8-2 run over the final 2:32, and headed into the third period only trailing 42-29.

Mader came back and hit another three to open the fourth, and scored seven in the period to keep the Red Devils in command.

In addition to Mader’s 18, Prall added 10 points for Tipp. Troy was led by Holycross with 10 and Kiyha Atkins with eight.

Tipp opens sectional tournament play on Saturday against Greenon, at Tecumseh with the gametime now set for 4:30. It was originally set for 6 p.m. but was moved back. Troy opens tourney play next Tuesday at 6 p.m. against the winner of Beavercreek vs Fairborn. That game site is not determined as of presstime.

Troy's Alaura Holycross with the layup for the Trojans.

Jordan Short goes into score.