NASHVILLE - Trailing by 17 with four minutes remaining in the first half, Austin Peay State University women's basketball team outscored Lipscomb, 43-23, the game's remainder to post a 61-58 non-conference victory, Monday night, at Allen Arena.

Lipscomb (0-2) dominated the opening 16 minutes, making 56.5 percent (13-of-23) of its shots and building a 35-18 lead.  Meanwhile, Austin Peay was unable to find its groove in the early going, making just 7-of-20 (35 percent) and committing nine turnovers.

Austin Peay (2-0) slowly turned the tide making four of its final seven field goals, including three three-pointers, and narrowed the deficit to eight points, 40-32, at the half. The Lady Govs defense was just as impressive in the late run, holding Lipscomb to one field goal and forcing four turnovers.

The Lady Bisons pushed back to start the second half, building its lead back to 10 points, 49-39, in the opening five minutes. But Austin Peay scored 14 of the next 18 points over the ensuing 10 minutes to tie the game, 53-53, on senior Whitney Hanley's three-pointer with 5:10 left.

Lipscomb did not surrender the lead easily, trading baskets with Austin Peay over the next five minutes. Hanley gave Austin Peay its first lead, 58-57 with 56 seconds remaining, since the opening basket with a conventional three-point play with 56 seconds remaining.

Austin Peay maintained its lead over the closing seconds, making three of its four free throws while Lipscomb missed on its lone shot and missed the front end of a one-and-one free-throw situation.

"It wasn't picture perfect, but we'll take the win," said Lady Govs head coach Carrie Daniels. "I don't believe we were ready from the tip. We got down by 17 but were able to get it back to eight at halftime which I believe was manageable. I was proud we were able to come back and get the win. "

Hanley finished the game with 21 points, making six of her 17 shots and six of seven from the free-throw line. She became the 13th Austin Peay player to record 1,000 career points.

"Whitney is our all-conference performer and there wasn't any doubt that she would take this team on her back," said Daniels. "You could see it in her eyes during the timeouts - she was determined."

The Olszewski sisters - Nicole and Shelby - also reached double-digit scoring territory. Nicole finished with 11 points and four steals. Shelby, making her first collegiate appearance, added 10 points and three steals.

Morgan Faulkner scored a team-best 11 points as the Lady Bisons had 11 different players score in the contest.

Austin Peay takes and eight-day break before continuing its four-game road trip with a 11 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 22 contest at nationally-ranked Louisville.

-AP-