CLARKSVILLE—For the first time in more than nine months (which certainly feels longer than that), Austin Peay State University's men's basketball team is returning to the Dunn Center to kick off the home slate in a 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4 contest against Carver College.
The Govs opened the campaign over the Thanksgiving break with a 2-1 showing at the #BeachBubble Gulf Coast Showcase in Estero, Florida, highlighted by three straight 20-point, 10-rebound outings from Terry Taylor, who earned Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Week for his efforts.
A lot has changed since the last time the Govs hosted a game in the Dunn Center. But what hasn't changed–hopefully–is Austin Peay's dominance at home, where the Govs have won 16 consecutive outings dating back to the end of the 2018-19 season.
Scouting the Cougars
Austin Peay's home winning streak goes on the line Friday against a Carver team that first came to the attention of the discerning Austin Peay fan when the Govs signed Merdy Mongozi during the summer–the big man from the Congo spent his first season in college basketball at Carver. The Cougars have had some struggles scoring the ball in 2020-21; through eight games, Carver has yet to break 50 points, although some of that may be due to the high level of competition they've played, with dates at Kennesaw State, Appalachian State and Wofford already in the books.
Basketball is the only sport at Carver College, which has an enrollment of fewer than 100 students and did not establish an athletics program until 1998. Martin Carter Sr., Carver's Athletics Director, was the head men's coach for 15 seasons and began the women's program in 2015-16.
Last Time Against Carver College
This is Austin Peay's first meeting with the Cougars–the Govs have never lost to an NCCAA opponent since the organization was formed in 1968.
Keep An Eye On…
- A win would be Austin Peay's fifth straight in a home opener and eighth in its last nine home debuts.
- With a win, the Govs would open the regular season at 3-1 or better for the first time since 2000.
- Taylor has reached 20 points and 10 rebounds in five straight games dating back to last season.
- Reginald Gee, a thousand-point scorer at Alabama State, needs 16 points for 100 as a Gov.
- A loss would be the Governors first to a non-Division I foe since 1986.
- The Govs have outscored all three opponents faced in second-chance points in 2020-21.
- Taylor (21.8 ppg) and Jordyn Adams (17.4) are one of four returning duos in Division I who combined to average 35.0 points per game or more in 2019-20.
- Adams needs four shot attempts for 500 in his Austin Peay career.
- Milestone Watch: Taylor needs nine points for 2,000 in his career and 15 rebounds for 1,000—he would be the third Gov to hit either mark in his career and the fifth player in OVC history to do both.
They Said It
Govs in the time of COVID
For the 2020-21 season, Austin Peay State University athletics will allow approximately 35 percent capacity in the Dunn Center for home basketball events. There will be no lower bowl seating for fans during the season. The lower level will be limited to players, coaches, and game-day support staff only. Seats will be assigned to create a buffer between groups to ensure social distancing is maintained. Students seating will be located in sections AA-BB for both men's and women's games. Masks or facial coverings are required to enter the Dunn Center. They must remain in place at all times unless eating or drinking.
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 men's basketball Twitter page (@AustinPeayMBB). 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. ESPN Clarksville (104.1 FM/540 AM) will carry the radio broadcast locally and online.
