Austin Peay State University went on a 25-6 early second-half run as it defeated UT Martin, 90-72, Thursday night, in Ohio Valley Conference action played in Dave Aaron Arena.
The victory snapped a three-game Govs losing streak and improved APSU to 9-8 and 3-2 in the OVC. UT Martin remained winless (0-4) in the OVC while falling to 2-11 overall.
UT Martin took momentum into halftime when MJ Brown nailed a three pointer from well past midcourt to tie the contest, 37 all. The Skyhawks carried that momentum into the second half’s early stages, leading by three, 42-39. But the Governors used fullcourt defensive pressure, causing five turnovers (11 in the second half), to help stem the tide and turn the contest in APSU’s favor.
Senior guard Wesley Channels started the run with a pair of free throws while Caleb Brown produced three assists and eight points, including the final three to make it 64-48. From there, UT Martin would get no closer than 11 points.
Channels led Austin Peay with 21 points while Anthony Campbell added 16, Brown 14 and center John Fraley 11.
Freshman Chris Reaves came off the bench to score a career-best nine points while senior Ernest Fields, working his way back from knee troubles, added eight points and five rebounds in 10 minutes.
Austin Peay connected on 34 of 63 from the floor (54 percent) while outrebounding the Skyhawks 38-31.
Marquis Weddle led all scorers with 25 points, going 7-of-11 from the floor. Benzor Simmons added 17 points and Reuben Clayton added 16.
After shooting 14 of 28 from in the first half, UTM shot only 9 of 26 (34.6 percent) in the second half and the Skyhawks finished with 20 turnovers.
APSU will return to action, 5 p.m., Saturday when it plays host to rival Murray State in a contest that will be telecast from ESPN2.
