Austin Peay (3-5) vs. Troy (4-3)
Saturday, December 5th, 2015 | 12:00pm CT
Troy, AL | Trojan Arena
Troy, AL – Austin Peay State University men’s basketball team seeks to replicate its defensive effort of Wednesday night but hopes its offensive performance will be much improved when it faces host Troy, noon, Saturday, in Trojan Arena.
This will be the second of a five-game Governors road swing that won’t end until they play host to Wofford, December 22nd.
They held the Islanders to just 61 points on 42 percent shooting while forcing 17 turnovers. The Govs also held a commanding 40-33 edge on the boards.
But APSU suffered through one of its worst offensive performance during the Dave Loos‘ tenure. The Govs were held to just 48 points—the second time this season they were limited to fewer than 50 points—and 34 percent shooting, 29 percent in the second half.
They also converted just 8-of-24 (33 percent) at the free-throw line. In addition, the Govs committed 18 turnovers and were able to convert 16 offensive rebounds into only six second-chance points.
Chris Horton led the Governors with 18 points and 14 rebounds—he is now ranked fourth nationally at 13.0 rebounds per outing and is third in double-doubles (six). But even the 6-8 senior center was victim to the Govs free throw-shooting woes, making just 2-of-9.
After losing three straight games, Troy has bounced back to win two consecutive contests, including a 69-59 decision, Tuesday, at home against Southern Miss to improve to 4-3.
Sun Belt 2014 -15 Freshman of the Year Wesley Person Jr. has picked up where he left off a year ago. He is averaging 18 ppg, shooting 38 percent from three-point territory, while also shooting 83 percent at the free-throw line. Person is the son of former Auburn and NBA player Wesley Person and nephew of Auburn All-America forward Chuck Person.
Another young player, 6-6 freshman forward Jordan Varnado, is averaging 17.6 ppg, shooting 57 percent from the floor, and 8.1 rpg. He is the brother of former Mississippi State star Jarvis Varnado, who left that program as the nation’s all-time shot blocker. Varnado had 17 points and 13 rebounds against Southern Miss while fellow forward John Walton snared 11 rebounds.
Broadcast Information
Radio • Governors Sports Network
Play-by-Play: David Loos
Analyst: Van Stokes
TV • Video
www.troytrojans.com/watch/?Live=1601
Governors on the Web
Live Statistics: www.statbroadcast.com
Live Audio: www.LetsGoPeay.com
