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HomeSportsBasketball Govs hold off Central Missouri in exhibition contest

Basketball Govs hold off Central Missouri in exhibition contest

APSU Men’s Basketball

Austin Peay State University GovernorsClarksville, TN – Senior forward Anthony Campbell scored 18 points, including four in a deciding late-game spurt, to lead Austin Peay State University to a 69-64 victory against Division II power Central Missouri, Thursday night, in exhibition basketball action at Dave Aaron Arena.

Campbell, a preseason All-Ohio Valley Conference selection, broke a 58-58 tie with 3:16 left when he rebounded a missed shot and dropped it in. He completed the three-point play and then knocked down one-of-two free throws on the next possession to give the Govs a four-point lead, 62-58, with 2:23 left. Central Missouri would never get closer than three points the game’s remainder.

Junior forward Melvin Baker drives against Central Missouri. (Courtesy: Austin Peay Sports Information)
Junior forward Melvin Baker drives against Central Missouri. (Courtesy: Austin Peay Sports Information)

It was a defensive battle between the two teams. Austin Peay shot only 44 percent (22 of 50) from the floor, but that was much better than the Mules, who were ranked No. 1 in Division II much of the 2009-10 season, ending No. 7. Central Missouri was held to just 22 of 67 from the floor (32.8 percent). However, the Mules were able to stay in the game by outrebounding the Govs by a 48-37 margin, including 23 offensive rebounds that led to 10 second-chance points.

Govs’ senior point guard Caleb Brown added 10 points on four-of-five shooting, as did newcomer Josh Terry, who made three-of-four shots.   

Lance Beckwith came off the bench to lead Central Missouri with 16 points while guards Boo Hunter and Bryce Brunz added 13 and 11 points, respectively.

The Governors led much of the game, building as much as 12-point lead in each half. But Central Missouri battled back each time, trimming the first lead to two by halftime and tying the game at 58 in the second half.

The Governors will return to action 7:30pm, Monday, when they face Westminster in their second and final exhibition contest.

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