Austin Peay (2-1) vs. Trevecca (1-2)
Saturday, November 19th, 2016 | 2:00pm CT
Clarksville, TN | Dunn Center
Clarksville, TN – Austin Peay State University women’s basketball team concludes its four-game homestand when it hosts Trevecca, 2:00pm, Saturday, in the Dunn Center.
The Governors (2-1) have taken advantage of the matchups on their home floor, and are now 11-4 in Clarksville under head coach David Midlick. A Govs win on Saturday will be APSU’s best four-game start to a season since 2002.
Austin Peay is coming off back-to-back victories, first a 76-57 victory over Christian Brothers, Sunday, before earning a 62-55 nod against Arkansas State, Sunday.
The latter game featured a strong defensive performance by the Govs, totaling 10 blocked shots – the most since last season’s Trevecca contest – and held the Red Wolves to 29 percent from the field.
Nine different Governors scored on Wednesday, led by three in double figures – junior Bri Williams (11 points), redshirt sophomore Falon Baker (11) and senior Tearra Banks (10). It was a career day for the point guard, Williams, who posted a line of 11 points (7-of-10 FTs), six rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal.
Senior center Beth Rates also had a solid all-around game, recording five points, including a three, with five rebounds and four blocks.
The Opponent: Trevecca
Trevecca begins a new era under first-year head coach Chad Hibdon, who previously coached one season at Truett-McConnell College and led the local Blackman High School to two state titles.
The Trojans have opened the regular season at 1-2, coming off a 52-47 win over Lane College, Thursday. Megan Kilburn totaled a double-double in the contest (13 points, 10 rebounds), while Sarah Raby also finished in double figures with 12 points.
Last Time Against the Trojans
In the second meeting between the two programs, Austin Peay defeated the Trojans 97-75 last season in Clarksville. Six different Governors finished with double-digit point totals – Brianne Alexander (22 points), Tiasha Gray (16), Falon Baker (16), Tearra Banks (13), Madison Rich (12) and Beth Rates (10).
APSU Storylines
- Searching for more
After falling to Eastern Kentucky in the opening round of the OVC Tournament, David Midlick returns for his second head coaching season in Clarksville, looking to build on an eight-win conference season. - Defend the Dunn
In 2015-16, Austin Peay compiled a 9-3 record on its home court, with all but one win on the season occurring in the Dunn Center. Seven of those victories came in Ohio Valley Conference play, including three consecutive home wins to conclude the season. This year, the Govs have an increased home schedule with 15 games (four-straight to open). - Banks
The senior center posted a .598 field goal percentage in 2015-16, the highest mark in the OVC and fifth nationally. Banks returns as APSU’s leading scorer at 12 points per game, despite averaging just 15 minutes. She also grabbed 4.2 rebounds per contest a season ago. - Rates climbing the charts
- The senior forward continues to climb the career blocks rankings, entering Wednesday with 87 which is six away from tying Sonja Cox for fifth all-time.
- Baker for three
Falon Baker returned from injury last season and lit it up front deep, hitting 48 threes with a .375 percentage. In 2016, she continues to be a weapon from behind the arch, with eight threes thus far. - Fifty–straight for Gooch
Saturday’s game will be the 50th consecutive game for junior center Sydney Gooch, - Newbies
Midlick has brought in five newcomers to join the Governors – two junior college transfers (Ant’Treasia Patton and Bri Williams) and three freshmen (Nieja Crawford, Arielle Gonzalez-Varner and Shelbe Piggie). Williams and Piggie, along with Rivers, are expected to compete for the starting point guard spot.
Follow the APSU Govs
Be sure to follow all the Austin Peay women’s basketball action at www.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 stats will be available at www.PeayStats.com
Saturday’s game can also be streamed for free at www.OVCDigitalNetwork.com
