CLARKSVILLE – After a record-breaking performance in the season opener, Austin Peay State University women's basketball is set to welcome Christian Brothers for a 7 p.m., Friday, tilt in the Dunn Center as the Governors wrap up a quick two-game home stand to open the season.
The Governors got the season started, Tuesday, when they knocked off Kentucky Wesleyan in the Dunn, 103-70. After the Friday night matchup with Christian Brothers, the Govs will hit the road for the first time this season, making a trip to the Illinois to take on the Fighting Illini in the State Farm Center.
Scouting the Lady Buccaneers
Under first-year head coach Jessie Carmack, the Lady Buccaneers return only four players from their 2018-19 roster, but they do return their leading scorer. Brynne Lytle averaged 16.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. Lytle is also the top returning three-point threat for Christian Brothers, last year she knocked down 51 triples, and shot 35.7% from deep.
Christian Brothers got their season underway with an exhibition against Memphis last week. The Lady Bucs were able to stay in the game, but ended up falling, 71-61. Lytle led the way for the Lady Bucs, scoring 29-points and connecting three times from three-point range. Lauren Taylor also posted 8 points and 11 rebounds; she is one of the four returning players.
While the game against Christian Brothers will count as a regular game for the Govs, like the Kentucky Wesleyan contest, the game will count as an exhibition for the Governors DII foe.
Series History
Austin Peay and Christian Brothers have met at the Dunn Center in each of the past four season, with the Governors winning all four contests. The Govs and Lady Bucs have met all four years of head coach David Midlick's tenure, with the Governors winning the four games by an average of 25 points. The biggest win in the series came in last season's opener, when the Governors had six players score in double-figures en route to a 100-62 win.
What to watch for…
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After winning the season-opener against Kentucky Wesleyan, the Govs are looking to get off to their first 2-0 start since the beginning of the 2011-12 season.
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Freshman Ella Sawyer led the Govs in rebounds (5), assists (4), and steals (3) in the season opener; she also added 16 points -- good for second on the team.
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Tahanee Bennell and Shay-Lee Kirby each scored 21 points in the opener against Kentucky Wesleyan, it was the first time two Govs have scored 20+ points in the same game since Brianne Alexander and Brianah Ferby did it at Belmont, Jan. 1, 2018.
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Last time out against Chrisitian Brothers, Preseason All-OVC selection Arielle Gonzalez-Varner posted her first career double-double, leading the Govs with 17 points and 12 rebounds.
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The Governors 68 points in the first half against Kentucky Wesleyan was the first time since De. 12, 1999, that the Govs have posted 60+ points in a single half.
Tickets, please
Governors Courtside Seating returns for the 2019-20 season. Fans can contact the APSU Athletics Ticket Office for courtside seating availability and pricing. The VIPeay Hoops Experience, available to Black Tie Monocle Society members and above, also returns for 2019-20 after a successful debut last season. For more information on joining the Governors in the Dunn Center this winter, to secure season tickets or to become involved with the Monocle Society, call 931-221-PEAY.
Govs Online
Check back at LetsGoPeay.com and on Austin Peay's Official Athletics Facebook page often for up-to-date news about all Governor athletics, as well as the Governor women's basketball Twitter page (@AustinPeayWBB). Live stats will be available during the game at PeayStats.com, and all home games and Ohio Valley Conference games can be viewed on the ESPN+ app.
