APSU Governors Basketball face Southern Illinois Salukis at the Dunn Center, Tuesday

Austin Peay Governors vs. Southern Illinois Salukis

November 19th, 2013 | 7:00pm CT
Dave Aaron Arena | Clarksville, TN

Clarksville, TN – On Tuesday, November 19th, the Austin Peay State University Governors basketball team will host the Southern Illinois Salukis at the Dunn Center. Tip off is at 7:00pm.

This is the 15th meeting between Austin Peay, a member of the Ohio Valley Conference, and Southern Illinois, a member of the Missouri Valley Conference. The Governors trail the series, 5-9.

Despite less than three hours distance between the two schools, this is only the second time since 1995-96 season, an APSU road win in Carbondale, Austin Peay and Southern Illinois have met. This is the first time since the 1994-95 season the Salukis have come to Clarksville. SIU won that matchup, 77-72.

APSU’s last Clarksville win against the Salukis came in the first round of the 1988 Acme Boot Showdown with Govs capturing a 115-90 decision.

The Governors have shot the ball well over the first two games at 49.2 percent. Even after a first-half cold spell against Memphis, the Governors still ended up shooting 46 percent from the floor.

The improved shooting performance can be linked directly to the Governors assist totals. The Governors are 17.5 assists per game after averaging just 13.5 apg in 2012-13.

The Govs are averaging 11 steals per game.

Newcomer Ed Dyson is averaging 14 points per game, scoring in double figures in each of his first games and is shooting 57.1 percent from the floor.

Sophomore Chris Horton is averaging 12.5 rebounds per game over the first two contest, being APSU’s leading rebounder against both Oakland City and Memphis. Horton also has picked up where he left off a year ago as far as blocked shots are concerned. After swatting away 100 shots a year ago, he has eight in the first two 2013-14 games.

The Governors are struggling at the free throw line, connecting on just 49.1 percent of their free tosses.

The Govs have committed 39 turnovers, an alarming 19.5 turnovers per game, over the first two contests.

The Governors are permitting 82 points per game, allowing the opponents to shoot 49.2 percent from the floor.

Preseason All-OVC performer Travis Betran is off to a slow start, averaging just 5.0 points per game, shooting just 18.8 percent from the floor. One of the nation’s top three-point shooters a year ago, Betran has connected on just 2-of-10 from three-point range in the first two games.

Chart Climber

Sophomore Chris Horton blocked five shots against Memphis, Thursday, his 18th career game with at least three blocked shots. He passed Adrian Henning, who was in attendance, for fourth all-time in blocks with 108.

First Double-Digit Effort

Sophomore Zavion Williams scored 10 points against Memphis, his first career double-digit scoring effort as a Gov. He reached double figures 11 times as a freshman at Lipscomb in 2011-12.

Bench Strength

Junior forward Chris Freeman came off the bench for 10 points against Memphis, his eighth career double-digit scoring game. He hit a career-best five shots from the floor.

Locating the Ball

Junior college transfer Fred Garmon garnered four steals against Memphis–two in each half.

Media Coverage

Radio – Governors Radio Network
Play-by-Play: Greg Walker
Analyst: David Loos

WVRY 105.1-FM, www.letsgopeay.com

Television – Peay Nation Broadcasting
Play-by-Play: Ethan Fisher-Schmidt
Analyst: Blake Ball