NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Hampered by slow starts to both halves, Austin Peay State University women's basketball team pieced together late scoring bursts in each frame to post a 61-52 non-conference victory against Lipscomb, Tuesday night, at Allen Arena.

Lipscomb (1-2) got off to a fast start as Austin Peay had difficulty controlling the ball. The Lady Govs began the game making just 2-of-10 from the field and committed six of its 11 first-half turnovers in the opening seven minutes. The Lady Bisons took advantage and opened a nine-point, 13-4, lead with 13:33 remaining.

But Austin Peay (1-1) did not allow the lead to reach double-digits as juniors Salem Richardson, Brooke Faulkner and Ashley Herring each hit a basket when the lead threatened to reach 10 points. The field goal by Herring sparked a 16-5 run over seven-plus minutes that ultimately gave Austin Peay its first lead, 25-23 with 2:10 remaining. Freshman Meghan Bussabarger's field goal with 1:31 left gave APSU a 27-26 halftime advantage.

The Lady Bisons opened the second half again with a better start the Lady Govs. Lipscomb opened the frame with a 10-5 lead to take a four-point, 36-32, lead six minutes into the half. However, Austin Peay responded with the game's next nine points to retake the lead, 41-36, just four minutes later. The Lady Bisons battled right back with a 8-3 run to tie the game, 44-44, with 8:04 remaining.

Austin Peay took over from there. Herring turned the tide with a three-point field goal to give Austin Peay the lead for good.The lead reached seven points, 55-41, after senior Nicole Jamen hit a pair of free throws. Herring closed the game by making seven of eight free throws in the final 48 seconds to secure the victory.

Herring led all scorers with 23 points, making 6-of-13 from the field and 9-of-10 from the free throw line. She added eight rebounds and three steals in 36 minutes of action. Jamen chipped in nine points and grabbed a game-best 14 rebounds.

Austin Peay dominated the boards, posting a 50-40 rebounding edge. The Lady Govs 18 offensive rebounds turned into 21 second-chance points.

Jenna Bartsokas led Lipscomb with 16 points, one of three players to reach double-digit scoring territory. The Lady Bisons were doomed by a 6-of-17 (35.3 percent) free-throw performance.

Austin Peay returns to action when it hosts nationally-ranked Middle Tennessee in a 7 p.m., Saturday contest at the Dunn Center.

- AP -