APSU Sports Information
Clarksville, TN – Overcoming a chilly start, Austin Peay State University women’s basketball team defeated Evansville 82-73, Saturday.
Austin Peay (6-1) remained unbeaten at home, winning their sixth-straight game for the first time in 13 seasons. Austin Peay shot a collective 40.3 percent from the field (53.8 percent in the fourth quarter) including 35.5 percent from beyond the arc.
Senior forward Brianne Alexander was aggressive early, going 3-for-5 from the field in the first quarter scoring seven points as she battled down low. Evansville was nearly perfect from the field shooting 70.0 percent and going 4-for-5 from long range.
The Governors defense struggled to generate turnovers, but made the most of their opportunities, scoring six points off two turnovers in the first quarter to keep the game within three points (23-20).
The Governors tightened up defensively in the second quarter, forcing Evansville into six turnovers converting them into eight points. Austin Peay’s three-quarter court press rattled Evansville, stifling their offensive rhythm and dropping their field goal percentage to 27.3 percent.
The Govs worked to share the ball and make the extra pass to kick start their offense, as five different Governors recorded points in the second period.
In the second half, it was Austin Peay’s turn to light up the arc as the Govs shot 47.1 percent from the field and going 3-for-5 from three-point territory.
Freshman Brianah Ferby scored seven points off the bench and Keisha Gregory was perfect from the field, racking up six points and four rebounds. The Governors outscored Evansville 23-11 in the third quarter, taking a 13-point lead into the final period.
The Governors wrestled with foul trouble early in the fourth quarter, requiring a carousel of substitutes to prevent key players from fouling out.
Austin Peay turned to veteran point guard Bri Williams to provide consistency in the waning minutes of the game. She scored five points, pulled down two rebounds and dished out her 10th assist playing all 10 minutes of the final period.
The Govs tallied 11 bench points in the fourth quarter to remain undefeated at home this season.
Brianah Ferby led the Govs in scoring with 17 points and four rebounds. Keisha Gregory and Falon Baker each scored 11 points as Gregory added nine rebounds, while Baker dished out four assists.
Kelen Kenol pulled down 10 rebounds and recorded four blocks in her sixth start of the season, while her front court partner, Brianne Alexander, scored 10 points with four rebounds.
Game Notes
Williams recorded her second career double-double (10 points and 10 assists).
Kenol led the Govs in rebounds with 10 and recorded a career high four blocks.
Brianah Ferby led the Govs in scoring for the second-straight game tallying 17 points in her career-high 29 minutes.
Five Governors scored in double-digits: Brianah Ferby (17), Falon Baker (11), Keisha Gregory (11), Kelen Kenol (10) and Bri Williams (10).
Alexander has scored in double digits in all six of the Governors wins this season.
Austin Peay’s nine turnovers ties a season low.
The Governors 19 assists ties a season high, set Wednesday against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
Catching up with Coach David Midlick
Strong Starts
“I don’t think we came out with the intensity that we needed to, this is a team that can shoot the basketball and we gave up 23 points in the first quarter. On the other hand, though, I am proud of the team in quarters two and three for holding Evansville to 11 points in each of those periods. That is the kind of defense we are capable of and need to continue to work towards.”
Halftime Adjustments
“We tried to make them as uncomfortable as possible from the three-point line, forcing them to put the ball on the floor, instead of catch and shoot threes.”
Sustaining the Streak
“The number one thing is we have shared the basketball and we have taken care of the basketball. We have given up good shots in order to take great shots and we have been at nine or 10 turnovers for the past three games. The first thing I can really think of is we have been playing together, and when you are being unselfish and taking care of the basketball you give yourself a chance to win.”
Next Up for APSU Women’s Basketball
The Governors have a quick turnaround as they will take their streak on the road 6:00pm, December 5th at Northern Kentucky.
