CLARKSVILLE - Austin Peay State University women's basketball team had few answers for a hot-shooting Alabama A&M squad in an 80-68 non-conference loss, Wednesday night at the Dunn Center.

Austin Peay (3-10) got off to a hot start from the floor, making three three-pointers, and led 9-6 at the 16:51 mark. Senior Whitney Hanley had the first and last three pointers in the group.

Alabama A&M (5-4) called timeout after the third three-pointer and switched to a man-to-man defense. That change had the desired effect as the Lady Govs did not score for the next four minutes. The Bulldogs used that brief lapse to score seven straight points and lead 15-9 with 13:26 left.

The Bulldogs further extended their lead as the Lady Govs went the final 5:38 without making a shot. Alabama A&M closed the period with an 11-6 run and led by eight points, 37-29, at the break.

Austin Peay attempted to charge back in the second half for the third consecutive game. But as was the case in Tuesday's loss to Florida A&M, the Lady Govs were unable to complete the comeback and could not maintain their intensity on the defensive end of the court.

The Lady Govs closed within two points after junior Kaitlyn Hill made a pair of free throws at the 10:56 mark. But Austin Peay would get no closer as a 10-4 Alabama A&M run later in the half pushed the lead to double digits, 69-59, for the first time with 5:52 remaining and the Lady Govs would not recover.

Senior Jasmine Rayner led the Lady Govs with 21 points, converting 11-of-12 from the free-throw line. Hanley added 18 points and her 4-of-4 effort at the free-throw line extended her consecutive free throws made streak to a school-record 25.

Whiquitta Tobar led all scorers with 26 points, making 11-of-12 at the free-throw line. Jasmine Sanders added 19 and NaDra Robertson chipped in 18. Alabama A&M finished the game making 49.1 percent (27-of-55) of its field goals.

Austin Peay, which wrapped up its non-conference slate with Wednesday's loss, returns to action in eight days when it travels to Tennessee State for a 5:30 p.m., Dec. 29 Ohio Valley Conference-opening contest.

-AP-