CLARKSVILLE – Coming off its first win of 2016, Austin Peay State University women's basketball team seeks to ride that momentum into its home contest against Arkansas State, 7 p.m., Wednesday, in the Dunn Center.
The Governors (1-1) are coming off a 76-57 victory over Christian Brothers, Sunday, which featured a career-best 23-point performance by junior center Brianne Alexander. The Smyrna, Tennessee, product scored 19 of her points in the second half as Austin Peay mounted a second-half comeback. Highlighting Alexander's day was an 11-of-16 mark at the free throw line, with her 16 attempts one shy of the single-game program record.
Three additional Govs also totaled double-digit point totals - senior Tearra Banks (15), senior Beth Rates (10) and redshirt sophomore Falon Baker (10). All 14 players on the roster received minutes for APSU as head coach David Midlick showcased the depth of the Govs. In the 27-point third quarter, the lineup of Alexander, Rates, Baker, freshman Nieja Crawford and junior Bri Williams were most effective, outscoring the Lady Bucs 16-6 to close the period.
The Opponent: Arkansas State
The Red Wolves are in the midst of a rebuilding year, having lost all five of their starters from a season ago. Arkansas State looks to reestablish its foundation following the loss of 86 percent of its offense, and will suit up seven freshmen when the team travels to Clarksville.
Arkansas State opened the season with a 76-34 loss at Oklahoma State, with just 15 of those points occurring in the second half. Starr Taylor and Dominique Oliver each had seven points to lead ASU.
Head coach Brian Boyer begins his 18th season at the helm, having spent his entire coaching career at Arkansas State.
Last Time Against the Red Wolves
Austin Peay and Arkansas State last met Dec. 16, 2015, with the Red Wolves holding on for a 66-55 victory. For the Govs, Tiasha Gray totaled a team-high 14 points, while Tearra Banks and Madison Rich each added 12 points off the bench.
APSU Storylines
- Searching for more. After falling to Eastern Kentucky in the opening round of the OVC Tournament, David Midlick returns for his second head coaching season in Clarksville, looking to build on an eight-win conference season.
- Defend the Dunn. In 2015-16, Austin Peay compiled a 9-3 record on its home court, with all but one win on the season occurring in the Dunn Center. Seven of those victories came in Ohio Valley Conference play, including three consecutive home wins to conclude the season. This year, the Govs have an increased home schedule with 15 games (four-straight to open).
- Banks. The senior center posted a .598 field goal percentage in 2015-16, the highest mark in the OVC and fifth nationally. Banks returns as APSU's leading scorer at 12 points per game, despite averaging just 15 minutes. She also grabbed 4.2 rebounds per contest a season ago.
- Rates climbing the charts. The senior forward continues to climb the career blocks rankings, entering Wednesday with 83 which is 10 away from tying Sonja Cox for fifth all-time.
- Baker for three. Falon Baker returned from injury last season and lit it up front deep, hitting 48 threes with a .375 percentage. In 2016, she continues to be a weapon from behind the arch, with eight threes thus far.
- Newbies. Midlick has brought in five newcomers to join the Governors – two junior college transfers (Ant'Treasia Patton and Bri Williams) and three freshmen (Nieja Crawford, Arielle Gonzalez-Varner and Shelbe Piggie). Williams and Piggie, along with Rivers, are expected to compete for the starting point guard spot.
Follow the Govs
Be sure to follow all the Austin Peay women's basketball action at LetsGoPeay.com and the official Facebook page of Austin Peay Athletics. In addition, live play-by-play coverage can be found on Twitter (@AustinPeayWBB) and live stats will be available at PeayStats.com. Wednesday's game can also be streamed for free at OVCDigitalNetwork.com.
