Conway, AR – Freshmen Sa’Mya Wyatt and Anovia Sheals combined for 43 points, but the Austin Peay State University (APSU) women’s basketball team fell 77-67 to Atlantic Sun Conference opponent Central Arkansas on Saturday, at the Farris Center.
Wyatt’s 24 points were just two shy of her career-high 26 points set at Indiana State on November 15th.
Austin Peay (10-15, 5-9 ASUN) and Central Arkansas (19-6, 13-1 ASUN) went back and forth to open the game with a free throw from Jade Upshaw tying the game at 8. The Governors took the lead at 10-8 with a successful trip to the free throw line from Anovia Sheals with five minutes remaining, but a layup from Upshaw 10 seconds later tied the game again at 10.
The Sugar Bears began to pull away from the Governors with a 7-0 lead to go up by seven with under three minutes remaining. A jumper and layup by Sa’Mya Wyatt got APSU within three at 17-14, but a jumper from Elizabeth Abiara ended the quarter with the Sugar Bears leading 19-14.
The Sugar Bears extended their lead to 11 at 25-14 with a layup from Leah Mafua just two minutes into the second quarter. The govs responded with a 13-2 run to tie the game at 27 with four minutes left in the first half. A three-pointer by Abby Cater, assisted by Foster, gave Austin Peay State University their first lead since the first quarter at 30-27 with 3:23 left in the first half. The two teams exchanged shots, seeing another tie at 32, but a layup at the buzzer by Wyatt gave the Govs the 34-32 lead at the break.
Central Arkansas held the Governors scoreless from 7:03-4:02, increasing their lead to 12 at 51-39. Austin Peay made its next six attempted baskets to get within five, but Randrea Wright’s free throw ended the quarter with the Sugar Bears leading, 56-50.
The Governors battled back at the beginning of the fourth frame, tying the game at 60 with 7:50 left. The fourth quarter saw two more ties, the last at 64 off of a layup from Anala Nelson with 5:47 left to play. The Sugar Bears pulled away from the Govs with 10 made free throws in the final three minutes for the 77-67 ASUN win.
The Difference
Points off turnovers. Central Arkansas outscored the Austin Peay State University 23-11 from turnovers.
Inside The Box Score
Austin Peay State University’s Sa’Mya Wyatt led with 24 points (11-16 FG), just two shy of her career-high 26 points set at Indiana State on November 15th.
La’Nya Foster paced the APSU Govs with seven rebounds.
Anala Nelson’s five assists were a team-high.
The Govs’ bench outscored the Sugar Bears’ 25-9.
Follow The APSU Govs
For news and updates throughout the Governors’ season, follow the Austin Peay State University women’s basketball team on X and Instagram (@GovsWBB) or check back at LetsGoPeay.com.
Next Up For APSU Women’s Basketball
The Austin Peay State University women’s basketball team will take on Queens Thursday, February 20th, at F&M Bank Arena for their Black History Game and 931 Thursday. Tip-off is at 6:00pm.
