APSU Sports Information
Clarksville, TN – Austin Peay State University (APSU) women’s basketball team used an efficient shooting day to take down Alabama A&M, 75-58, Sunday, at the Dunn Center.
The Governors (5-5) shot 49 percent from the floor and dominated the glass en route to a wire-to-wire win.
The highlights started early with Brandi Ferby finding a cutting Keisha Gregory with a brilliant wraparound pass on the first possession in the game.
However, points were at a premium to start until the Govs got going from behind the arc.
Nieja Crawford, returning to the starting lineup, had a huge day, grabbing a career-high 14 rebounds. She recorded two offensive rebounds in a single possession, passing the second rebound to Gregory who nailed a three-pointer.
On the next possession, Gregory returned the favor by dishing to Crawford who hit the second consecutive Govs’ three-pointer. It got even better as Arielle Gonzalez-Varner made another three and then beat the buzzer at the end of the first quarter as the Govs used a 13-2 run to lead 20-8 after the first period.
The Bulldogs (2-5) came out firing in the second, going on a 9-0 run to start the quarter. However, Gregory put an end to the run with back-to-back threes. Gregory finished with a game and season-high 21 points, with 17 coming in the first half. The Govs shot 50 percent from the field in the first half and led by 13 points going into the half.
The third quarter started slow, but Brianah Ferby made a swift move in the lane, scoring and drawing a foul. Gabby Gregory came off the bench and provided good minutes, getting two steals and nailing a three pointer in three straight possessions, which gave the Govs their largest lead of the game at the time. The Govs effectively ended the game after ending the quarter on a 14-2 run to lead by 21.
After only attempting seven free throws against Illinois State, the Govs went 17-for-20 from the line today, making it the fifth straight game they shot better than their season percentage. The Govs led by as much as 29 points late in the fourth, before a late Bulldog run made the final scoreline a little more respectable. The Govs also dominated the boards, holding a 42-24 advantage on the glass.
APSU Notably
Nieja Crawford recorded her second career double-double (12 points, 14 rebounds). The 14 rebounds were a career-high for Crawford.
While the Govs had 19 turnovers to Alabama A&M’s 12, they led in points off turnovers, 21-14.
Every single player that appeared in the game for the Govs scored, the third time that has happened this season.
The Govs are now 5-1 all-time against the Bulldogs.
APSU Head Coach David Midlick’s Musings
“It was a great defensive effort, especially to be able to adjust in the second half against a team that could really drive the basketball. I thought they hurt us in the second quarter, but after that we did a good job moving our feet, staying in front, and if they did get by, we gave some help. Nieja just finds a way to get rebounds. To have 14 from the guard spot means there is a lot effort she is giving.”
Next Up for APSU Govs
The Govs play one more game in 2018, going on the road to Evansville, December 18th.
Box Score
Alabama A&M (2-5) 58 – Austin Peay (5-5) 75
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 19 | 11 | 20 | 58 | |
| 20 | 20 | 19 | 16 | 75 |
