CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. ? Wes Channels scored 13 of Austin Peay State University's overtime points as the Governors outlasted Murray State, 92-87, Thursday in a battle for the Ohio Valley Conference lead.
The victory snapped a two-game APSU losing streak as the Governors improved to 14-9 overall and 10-3 in the OVC. Meanwhile, Murray State saw its eight-game win streak snapped as the Racers fell to 13-8 overall, 9-4 in the OVC. It was the second straight extra-session contest for APSU. The Govs lost a triple overtime affair to Southeast Missouri, Tuesday.
After APSU watched Murray State open the second half with a 15-4 run, the Governors spent the remaining part of the second half attempting to come back, tying the game on four different occasions, the last coming with 17 seconds left as Channels powered his way into the lane to make it a 76-76 contest.
It also was Channels who partially blocked Tyler Holloway's potential game-winning shot in the closing seconds.
Then in overtime, Channels gave APSU the lead for good when he nailed a long three pointer to make it a 79-76 contest with 4:20 left in the period. He came right back and nailed another three pointer to give APSU a six-point advantage, 82-76.
But Murray State came right back, scoring six of the next of the game's next eight points before Channels knocked down another three pointer with 40 seconds to make it an 87-82 contest.
However, Danero Thomas nailed a three pointer from the left corner to make it a two-point game with 30 seconds left. After Todd Babington was fouled and made one of two free throws, Ray George hit a layup to make it a one-point game, 88-87, with 10 seconds left.
Channels then was fouled and made both free throws, again making it a three-point APSU advantage, before the Racers looked for a game-tying bucket.
However, Ray George slipped to the floor with three seconds left and called a timeout. The Racers didn't have any more timeouts and were charged with a technical.
Channels stepped to the line and made the first free throw to clinch the contest with the second as an explanation point to the gritty victory. In fact, the 6-2 sophomore finished the contest with a career-high 29 points, going 8-of-10 from the floor including six three pointers.
He was one of five Governors in double figures as Drake Reed finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds, his second straight double-double. Fernandez Lockett added 12 points, Todd Babington 11 and Derek Wright 10. Wright, who had 43 points against SEMO, dished out 11 assists this night.
Holloway led Murray State with 26 points, including five three pointers, while Tony Easley had 18 and 10 rebounds. Bruce Carter chipped in with 14, Thomas 13 and George 12.
The Racers played without point guard Kevin Thomas, who was suspended for the contest.
Both teams enjoyed strong nights from the floor. Murray State shot 36 of 64 from the floor (56.3 percent) while the Governors were at 50 percent, 30 of 60 from the field.
-AP-
