CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - Austin Peay State University women's basketball team clinched a spot in the Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament with its 66-57 win over Queens Thursday on Gary Mathews Court at F&M Bank Arena.
The win was highlighted by La'Nya Foster's 19-point, 11-rebound double-double. Her 11 boards match her career record set against UT Southern on Dec. 28.
Austin Peay quickly took control of the game in the first quarter, going up 9-3 within the first three minutes. Queens saw a scoring drought from 7:54-3:33, which was ended by a jumper by Jordyn Weaver, making the score 11-5. The Royals got within two of the govs with a 6-0 run from 2:17-51, but a layup by Anovia Sheals ended the first frame with the Govs leading 19-15.
A three-pointer by Ana Barreto just 30 seconds into the second quarter cut Queens' trail to one at 19-18. The Govs increased their lead with the help of Jordan Boddie's three-pointers and Sheals's layup, making the score 31-22. The Royals ended the first half on a 5-0 run to cut their deficit to four at 31-27.
Austin Peay opened the second half with three made baskets to lead by 11 at 38-27 with 6:20 left in the third quarter. The Royals fought back, with an 11-3 run to get within three at 41-38 with 2:50 left. A jumper from Nariyah Simmons, followed by free throws from Anala Nelson and Sheals, ended the third quarter with the Govs leading 47-38.
A jumper by Sa'Mya Wyatt extended the Govs lead to 11 at 49-38 to open the fourth quarter. Free throws by the Royals allowed them to get within five of the Governors with 1:15 to play. Nelson's four free throws ended the game, giving the Governors the 66-57 ASUN win.
THE DIFFERENCE
Rebounding. The Governors outrebounded the Royals 36-24. Out of the Govs' 36 rebounds, 30 were defensive.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- La'Nya Foster led with 19 points and 11 rebounds, all defensive rebounds.
- Anala Nelson had a season-high 13 points.
- Nelson also grabbed four assists, which earned the junior her 250th career assist.
- Anovia Sheals had 11 points, her 13th game in double figures.
- Sa'Mya Wyatt blocked three shots for the Govs.
- Abby Cater and Nariyah Simmons each had two steals.
- The Govs outscored the Royals 26-24 in the paint and 12-6 from fast breaks.
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