CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. ? An untimely field-goal drought doomed Austin Peay State University in a 69-61 loss to Tennessee State in Ohio Valley Conference action, Saturday night, at the Dunn Center.

Austin Peay (13-12, 9-5 OVC) trailed by just one point coming out of the final media timeout with 3:04 remaining. However, they did not record a field goal over the next 1:15 as Tennessee State rattled off seven consecutive points, breaking the game open, 64-56, with 1:49 remaining. The lead hit double digits, 67-57, one minute later to seal the victory.

The closing minutes did not tell the game's overall story as the two teams battled throughout the contest. The lead changed hands 17 times and the score was tied 14 times, including the final time at 46-46 with eight minutes remaining.

Tennessee State (14-11, 10-4) jumped out to a 15-7 lead in the opening seven minutes. However, the Lady Tigers went without a field goal for the next three minutes as the Lady Govs pieced together a 18-4 lead to take a 25-19 advantage with 1:40 left. But Tennessee State closed the half with the final six points to force at 25-25 halftime tie.

Senior April Thomas led Austin Peay with 21 points and 14 rebounds, her season's 10th double-double. Freshman Jasmine Rayner ? making her second career start ? scored 12 points and grabbed six rebounds. Austin Peay's offense was held to 37.5 percent (24-of-64) field-goal shooting, including just 11.1 percent (1-of-9) from three-point range.

Tennessee State senior Tiffany Jackson led all scorers with 24 points. Senior Kendra Appling added 21 points and sophomore Jasmine Smith chipped in 12 points and 15 rebounds. The Lady Tigers shot 44.4 percent (20-of-45) from the field and added a 26-of-39 (00.0 percent) free throw effort.

Austin Peay ? now in sole possession of fourth place ? travels to Jacksonville State for a 7 p.m., Thursday conference contest.

-AP-