RICHMOND, Ky. ? A nine-point lead with 11-plus minutes remaining was not enough as Austin Peay State University women's basketball team dropped a 62-55 decision at Eastern Kentucky, Thursday, in Ohio Valley Conference action.

Austin Peay (6-22, 3-16 OVC) had its nine-point, 47-38, lead after freshman Ashley Herring's layup with 11:06 remaining. From there, Austin Peay offense mustered just two field goals and a 3-of-4 effort from the free-throw line.

Eastern Kentucky's (14-12, 9-10 OVC) offense which had its trouble throughout the game, as evidenced by 18 turnovers, found its stride in the second frame's final half making 8-of-18 (44.4 percent) from the field and even out-rebounding Austin Peay, 15-8, in its late game-winning charge.

The first nine minutes of the second half saw Austin Peay's offense turn a 27-26 halftime deficit into its nine-point lead. The Lady Govs offense was an impressive 8-of-14 (57.1 percent) from the field, but as important the defense forced six Lady Colonels turnovers and limited homestanding EKU to 5-of-13 (38.4 percent) from the field.

The first half would provide foreshadowing of the second half. Austin Peay led by as many as eight points, 18-10, after Herring's field goal with 8:26 remaining. Eastern Kentucky would close the half with a 17-8 run as the Austin Peay offense went cold ? making just two field goals in the final eight minutes.

Herring and senior Ashlee McGee each had 15 points to lead Austin Peay. McGee, who entered the night as the OVC's assists leader, added five assists to her season tally. Junior April Thomas posted her season's fourth double-double, with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Senior Kellea Reeves added 10 points.

Senior Crystal Jones led Eastern Kentucky with 26 points, including 13 in the game's final 11 minutes. Sophomore Shavonne Jones added 10 points. The Lady Colonels used their final push to post a 34-33 rebounding edge but commited 18 turnovers while forcing APSU into only 13.

Austin Peay closes out the 2007-08 regular-season with a 4:15 p.m. (CST), Saturday, contest at Morehead State.

- AP -