CLARKSVILLE – The Austin Peay State University women's basketball team concludes their four-game road swing 3 p.m., Saturday against Belmont at the Curb Event Center.
The Governors first-half road blues were not an issue against Tennessee State, as Austin Peay shot 50.0 percent from the floor and 71.4 percent from three point territory in the first quarter. Three-point shots rained from Keisha Gregory, Brianah Ferby and Falon Baker, who started and ended the game with deep daggers.
Tennessee State made a run in the second quarter behind Tia Wooten's 22-point performance, with both teams heading into the halftime break knotted at 34.
The Governors are not strangers to second-half comebacks, and had driven past a halftime draw early this season to top Alabama A&M, Nov. 21. The Govs outscored Tennessee State 41-25 in the second half, riding their fourth quarter surge to their first road victory since Dec. 5.
Alexander led the Govs with 16 points and seven rebounds in her 20 minutes on the court, and was a perfect 6-for-6 from the free throw line. Gregory posted her best stat line since returning from an injury in nonconference play, scoring 15 points, pulling down seven rebounds and dishing out three assists.
Arielle Gonzalez-Varner led the charge off the bench with scoring six points in the paint and pulling down eight boards. Gonzalez-Varner was a perfect 3-for-3 from the floor, playing a season high 21 minutes.
The Governors are shooting 40.4 percent from the floor and averaging 64.4 points per game. They are a glistening 74.3 percent from the free-throw line, while averaging 11.3 assists and 7.9 steals per game.
The Govs are facing a Belmont squad that is undefeated in conference play, having only dropped three games this season. The Governors will have to slow down Belmont's balanced offense, as the Bruins have four players averaging in double digits.
APSU Storylines
- Conference Opponents. The Govs are 6-9 all time against the Bruins, having dropped the last two matchups Jan. 16, 2016, 71-80 on the road, and Dec. 31, 2016, 71-80 in the Dunn Center.
- Second-Half Stunners. The Governors win against the Tigers was the second time Austin Peay has won the second half after being tied at halftime this season. The first was against Alabama A&M, Nov. 21.
- Double Digits. Three Govs scored in double digits at Tennessee State: Alexander (16), Gregory (15) and Ferby (12).
- Snapping the Streak: The Govs snapped their two game losing streak with their first Ohio Valley Conference road win at Tennessee State. It was Austin Peay's first road win since Dec. 5.
- Bench Benefits. Gonzalez-Varner tied a career high with six points and pulled down a career high eight rebounds against the Tigers.
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 video can be found at OVC Digital Network.
Catch up on the Highlights
