Martin, TN – Led by Maggie Knowles, a first half three-point bombardment staked Austin Peay State University (APSU) women’s basketball to an 11-point lead at the half, but the Governors were unable to hold on, as a late UT Martin rally knocked off the Govs, 65-61, Saturday in the Elam Center.
Austin Peay State University (10-7, 1-5) started firing away from three-point range early, with Knowles connecting from deep on the team’s first offensive possession to spark a 7-0 run for the Govs to start the game.
When UT Martin (10-7, 6-0) finally got on the board, they cut the Governors lead to just three, before Knowles second triple of the day sparked another 7-0 Austin Peay State University run.
With less than a minute left in the first quarter, Tahanee Bennell knocked down a pair of free-throws before burying a buzzer-beating three-pointer to give the Governors a nine-point advantage heading into the second frame.
In the second quarter, it was Brianah Ferby and Ella Sawyer’s turn to do damage from downtown, as the duo each drilled a pair of three-pointers. Knowles added another three-point basket in the second frame, as the Govs scored 15-of-17 second-quarter points by way of the three-point shot.
After 20 minutes of action, the Governors had knocked down eight three-pointers en route to an 11 point lead, marking the first time UT Martin had trailed at halftime in an Ohio Valley Conference game this season.
In the third quarter, the Skyhawks were able to use ten Austin Peay State University fouls to go 14-of-14 from the charity stripe and cut the Governors lead to eight. A trio of Govs triples in the frame kept the Skyhawks from cutting into the lead anymore, as UT Martin could only muster four points from the floor in the period.
In the fourth quarter, a familiar foe burned the Governors once again, as Chelsey Perry scored 13 points to lead a late UT Martin rally. The Skyhawks took their first lead of the game with just 34 seconds remaining, and then knocked down three free-throws to close out the game.
The Difference
Free throw shooting. UT Martin got to the free-throw line 14 more times than Austin Peay, and when the Skyhawks got to the line they did damage, shooting 85.3 percent (29-of-34) from the charity stripe. The APSU Govs were only able to convert at a 55 percent clip, going 11-of-20 from the free-throw line.
APSU Notably
APSU’s Maggie Knowles scored 17 points to lead the Governors in scoring for the first time since they took on Evansville, November 21st.
Brianah Ferby found the range from deep, knocking down a season-high three three-pointers.
Ella Sawyer matched her career-high, burying a trio of three-pointers.
Brandi Ferby dished out five assists to lead the Governors for the first time this season, she also pulled down six rebounds to co-lead the team on the glass.
The Governors knocked down double-digit three pointers (12) for the sixth time this season and for the first time in OVC play.
12 made three-pointers is the most by the APSU Govs in a game that they have lost this season.
The APSU Govs dropped the season series with UT Martin for the second-consecutive season, and have now lost five straight to the Skyhawks.
The Austin Peay State University Governors have now lost 11-straight games in the Elam Center.
Next Up For Austin Peay State University Women’s Basketball
The Austin Peay State University women’s basketball team returns to the Dunn Center for the first time in 19 days when they play a 5:30pm, Thursday, contest against Tennessee State. After Thursday’s tilt with the Tigers, the Governors will welcome Belmont for a 1:30pm, Saturday, matchup.
