CLARKSVILLE - For the second consecutive game, Austin Peay State University women's basketball team used a big finishing kick to post a victory, extending their winning streak to three games with a 77-66 Ohio Valley Conference victory against Tennessee State, Thursday night at the Dunn Center.

Austin Peay (6-12, 5-2 OVC) closed the contest with an 18-6 run over the final five minutes. The Lady Govs converted 5-of-7 field goals and 8-of-10 free throws during the closing stretch. Sophomore Jasmine Rayner made the biggest impact down the stretch making both her field goals, converting three-of-four at the free-throw line and grabbing five rebounds in the final five minutes.

Tennessee State (6-10, 3-4) grabbed its final lead with 5:22 remaining on Jasmine Shuler's three-point basket. Austin Peay's Ashley Herring tied the game, 59-59, on the next possession with a pair of free throws - the game's 10th tie. TSU's LaDona Pierce made one of her two free throws to break the deadlock, but Herring responded with a layup to take the lead - the game's 19th lead change - and APSU was on its way.

The Lady Tigers controlled most of a frantic first half - there were eight ties and 12 lead changes in the frame - and held a four-point, 36-32, lead at the break. TSU's Oby Okafor posted a double-double in the opening half, finishing with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Rayner finished the game with a career-high 21 points and added 12 rebounds for her season's fourth double-double. Senior Nicole Jamen added a 17-point, 12-rebound double-double - her season's sixth double-double. Herring finished with 17 points, 10 at the free-throw line, and Whitney Hanley added 13 points.

Okafor led Tennessee State with 28 points and 11 rebounds. Shuler added 19 points, making 5-of-12 from three-point range.

Austin Peay returns to action when it travels to Tennessee Tech for a 5:30 p.m., Thursday contest.

- AP -