CLARKSVILLE, Tenn.-- Five players scored in double figures as Austin Peay remained atop the Ohio Valley Conference with a 73-62 win over Jacksonville State, Thursday night. The Govs improve to 13-7 overall and 9-1 in the league, while the Gamecocks fall to 4-15 overall, with a  2-9 OVC clip. JSU slips to 4-15 overall, 2-9 in the OVC.

The Governors overcame a slow start, connecting on just 2 of their first 11 shots as Jacksonville State led 24-13. However, the Govs went on a 20-3 run to take a 33-27 lead before settling for a 33-29 halftime advantage. APSU utilized an 11-1 run early in the second half to go up by as many as 15 points. The Gamecocks did cut the deficit down to six twice late in the game before the Governors hit six late-game free throws to blunt any comeback.   

Drake Reed led four Govs in double-figures with 17 points, while Derek Wright added 14, Fernandez Lockett 12 and Kyle Duncan 10. Ernest Fields recorded his first career double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Sophomore guard Wes Channels recorded a career-best seven assists while Wright had five and zero turnovers.  Austin Peay outrebounded Jacksonville State, 37-31. The 37 rebounds represents the most by the Govs since grabbing 40 boards against Jacksonville State, Jan. 5.

-AP-