Austin Peay at Ball State
Monday, December 18th, 2017 | 2:00pm CT
Mincie, IN | Worthen Arena | TV: ESPN3
Mincie, IN – With just one day between games, Austin Peay State University women’s basketball team concludes their non-conference schedule with a road match against Ball State.
The Govs are coming off their first game against Illinois, where the Govs forced the Fighting Illini to battle the full 40 minutes in a defensive contest.
The Govs led Illinois by four points at the halftime break after a strong first two period, but Illinois was able to pull away late for a 59-47 victory.
Early in the matchup with Illinois, Kelen Kenol showed her strength inside scoring four of her six points in the first quarter. Brianne Alexander and Falon Baker helped the Govs jump out to a eight-point lead midway through the first period, before the Fighting Illini brought the game within three.
The Govs traded baskets with Illinois through much of the second quarter, but took a four-point lead into the half. The Fighting Illini came out strong in the third quarter, but in spite of shooting woes, the Govs kept the game within four heading to the final quarter.
The Governors continued to fight late into the fourth, but could not overcome the hot hand of Illinois guard Brandi Beasley, who put up 12 points in the fourth quarter.
The Govs racked up 18 points in the paint, 17 points off turnovers, and a season high 11 second-chance points. Falon Baker led the Governors with 11 points and three rebounds, while Keisha Gregory and Brianne Alexander each notched eight points, with Alexander boasting a team high five boards.
Austin Peay has three players averaging in double figures through the first 10 games of the season, Gregory (12.3), Baker (10.5) and Brianah Ferby (10.3). The Governors are shooting 43.3 percent from the floor as a team, averaging 68.0 points per contest.
The Govs are facing a Cardinal team that is an undefeated 9-0 on the season, shooting 45.8 percent from the floor and averaging 83.4 points per game. The veteran Ball State squad is led by senior Moriah Monaco, who is averaging 17 points per game during the Cardinals nine-game winning streak.
APSU Storylines
Unfamiliar Foes
Austin Peay faces Ball State for the fourth time in program history having won the last matchup against the Cardinals December 1st, 2012. The Governors have never won in Worthen Arena, and have played Ball State at home, away and on a neutral court.
Freshman Brianah Ferby scored five points against Illinois in her 20 minutes of play. Ferby is leading the Governors bench averaging 10.3 points per game in her freshman season.
Double-Digits
Three Governors are averaging double-digits through the first nine games: Gregory (12.3), Brianah Ferby (10.3) and Baker (10.5).
Wrapping up Nonconference
The matchup against Ball State will conclude Austin Peay’s non-conference play. With a win, the Governors will have posted the best non-conference record in the Midlick era.
Follow the APSU Govs
Be sure to follow all the Austin Peay women’s basketball action at LetsGoPeay.com and the official Facebook page of Austin Peay Athletics. In addition, live play-by-play coverage can be found on Twitter (@AustinPeayWBB) and live video can be found on ESPN3.
