CINCINNATI - Austin Peay State University women's basketball team was unable to enter the Christmas holiday on a winning note falling in an 87-41 decision to Xavier, Wednesday afternoon at the Cintas Center.

Xavier (9-2) opened a double-digit lead, 13-3, in the opening three minutes. The lead reached 20 points with seven minutes remaining in the first half before settling at a 44-14 halftime margin.

The Musketeers made 35-of-72 (48.6 percent) of their field goals in the game. Xavier also won the rebounding battle with a 56-30 advantage.

Austin Peay (3-9) was held to 16-of-60 (26.7 percent) field-goal shooting, including just 2-of-22 (9.1 percent) from three-point range.

Sophomore Jasmine Rayner led the Lady Govs with 15 points, making 7-of-10 from the field. No other APSU player reached double-digit territory.

Ta'Shia Phillips led Xavier with a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double performance. Katie Rutan added 17 points, including five three-point field goals.

Austin Peay returns to action with a 7 p.m., Wednesday contest against UAB at the Dunn Center.

- AP -