NASHVILLE ? Austin Peay State University women's basketball team committed its most turnovers of the New Year in a 56-52 Ohio Valley Conference loss at Tennessee State, Saturday night at the Gentry Center.

Austin Peay (8-10, 4-3 OVC) was hounded into 24 turnovers by the Tennessee State defense, its most in 2009. The Lady Tigers turned those miscues into a narrow 20-15 scoring advantage, but that five points proved to be more than enough in a four-point decision.

After a closely fought first half with four times and two lead changes, the Lady Govs opened the second half with a 10-3 run over the first three minutes, turning a 25-23 halftime deficit into their largest lead, 33-28, with 16:56 remaining.

Things changed quickly as minutes later Austin Peay found itself mired in a four-minute long scoring drought. Tennessee State scored 10 consecutive points to retake the lead and build a six-point, 41-35 advantage with 9:57 left. The Lady Govs had eight possessions during the drought, but committed six turnovers.

Tennessee State (9-9, 5-2) didn't have long to enjoy its lead as it quickly found itself in a four-minute drought of its own. But Austin Peay could not capitalize, only scoring four unanswered points on five possessions, tying the game at 43-43 with 6:29 remaining.

Austin Peay was within a basket several times in the closing minutes, but was matched basket-for-basket by Tennessee State. The Lady Tigers sealed the victory with 11 seconds remaining with a pair of Meredith Stafford free throws.

Senior April Thomas recorded her fifth double-double in her last six games with a 16-point, 12-rebound performance. She was the only Lady Govs player to reach double-digits in either category.

Austin Peay made 45.7 percent of its field goals, but had just 46 attempts in the contest. The Lady Govs also were outrebounded for the third time in their last four outings, grabbing just 32 rebounds against the Lady Tigers 36 rebound effort.

Tiffany Jackson led Tennessee State with 15 points. Nikki Rumph added 12 points and Kendra Appling recovered from a scoreless first half to chip in 11 points.

Austin Peay returns to action when it hosts Tennessee Tech in a 5:15 p.m., Thursday, conference contest.

- AP -