CLARKSVILLE - Austin Peay State University women's basketball team mounted a furious second-half comeback effort but ran out of gas at a critical moment and fell, 86-77, to Florida A&M in non-conference action, Tuesday night, at the Dunn Center.

Trailing by 19 points at halftime, Austin Peay (3-9) scored the second half's first 14 points and slashed the deficit to five points, 48-43, in only four minutes. The Lady Govs made six of their first seven shots, including two each by junior Meghan Bussabarger and sophomore Nicole Olszewski.

Florida A&M (6-5) stemmed the tide momentarily, scoring the next three points, but could not stop Austin Peay's momentum entirely. The Lady Govs continued to rally and completed the comeback - tying the game at 59-59, on Bussabarger's three-pointer with 8:25 remaining.  Austin Peay grabbed its only lead of the second half minutes later when senior Whitney Hanley hit another three pointer to give APSU a 65-64 advantage.

However, the effort the Lady Govs expended showed over the next 1:08 as they surrendered three consecutive three-pointers. The last of that trio proved particularly deadly to Austin Peay's hopes, as Florida A&M's Tameka McKelton was fouled on her three-pointer and converted the ensuing free throw to extend the lead to nine points, 74-65, with 5:18 left. The Lady Govs would get no closer than five points the game's remainder.

The Lady Govs trailed by a 48-29 halftime margin thanks to the Lady Rattlers dominating first-half effort. Senior Antonia Bennett led the effort with 22 points in the opening period - nearly matching the Lady Govs first-half output. Austin Peay climbed back into the contest largely by holding Bennett in check, limiting her to three second half points.

Bussabarger recorded her fourth career double-double with a 21-point, 11-rebound performance. Hanley added 17 points and five assists. Senior Jasmine Rayner chipped in 15 points off the bench.

Bennett led all scorers with 25 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. McKelton added 23 points, making five three pointers and all six of her free throw tries.

Austin Peay will have little time to reflect on Tuesday's loss, returning to action with a 5:15 p.m., Wednesday contest against Alabama A&M.

-AP-