RICHMOND, Ky. - A strong start made all the different as Austin Peay State University women's basketball team rang in the New Year with a 66-63 Ohio Valley Conference victory against Eastern Kentucky, Monday night, at McBrayer Arena.

Austin Peay (4-12, 1-2 OVC) exhibited its full court press early on in the contest and it clearly made a difference at both ends of the court. Offensively, the Lady Govs broke out to a seven point lead in the opening five minutes and led by as many as 13 points in the first period.

Defensively, Eastern Kentucky (6-7, 1-2 OVC) committed 13 turnovers in the opening period. Austin Peay made good use of the miscues, scoring 13 points to help its cause.

Eastern Kentucky made a charge in the second half, scoring 11 consecutive points to take a 46-42 lead with 13:11 remaining. Jade Barber four points and Cantelle Gray added five points to lead the charge. The Lady Colonels would build a seven-point advantage, 57-50, at the 7:49 mark on a Carrie Booth three-pointer.

But Austin Peay responded with its own 12-0 run over the next six minutes to regain the lead and build a five-point margin, 62-57, with 1:50 remaining. Whitney Hanley scored six points and Meghan Bussabarger chipped in four points to lead the push.

The two teams traded baskets over the final 1:30, Jasmine Rayner making a layup with 34 seconds left to give APSU a three-point lead. Eastern Kentucky got a layup on its next possession to get back within one. The Lady Colonels fouled Hanley in the backcourt with 12 seconds remaining and she made her two free throws to set the final score. Eastern Kentucky had one last opportunity but Booth's three pointer at the horn rimmed in and out.

Hanley recorded her third consecutive 20-point outing, finishing with 24 points and eight rebounds. Bussabarger added 17 points while Rayner finished with 12 points and six rebounds.

Marie Carpenter led Eastern Kentucky with 19 points while Barber added 13 points off the bench.

Austin Peay begins a three-game homestand when it hosts Murray State in a 3 p.m., Saturday contest.

-AP-