Florence, AL – The Austin Peay State University (APSU) women’s basketball team dropped its first road game of the season with a 55-50 decision at North Alabama, Wednesday, at CB&S Bank Arena.
North Alabama (11-10, 6-4 ASUN) started quickly, going up 9-4 on Austin Peay (13-8, 5-6 ASUN) with just under six minutes remaining. A jumper from JaNiah Newell, followed by a three-pointer by Jade Rucker, would cut the Govs’ deficit to just one at 12-11 to end the first frame.
A three-pointer by Katie Criswell and a jumper by Greta Ramon got the Lions back up by five at 17-12. The Governors responded with a 12-0 run to take the lead by as many as seven at 27-20 with two minutes remaining in the first half.
Free throws by Kyra Perkins and Lameria Thomas allowed the APSU Govs a nine-point lead at 31-22 with 22 seconds remaining before the break. Alexsandra Alvarado ended the half with a layup and a foul drawn to cut the Lions’ lead to 31-25.
The Governors used their momentum from the second quarter to lead by as many as 10 at 40-30 with back-to-back layups by Anovia Sheals with 4:18 remaining in the third. The Lions ended the third frame on an 8-0 run to make it a one-shot game headed into the final quarter.
The two teams traded shots to open the final quarter, with three ties, the last at 45 with 4:06 remaining. The Lions took a five-point lead at 50-45 from Sofia Ceppelloti’s three-pointer and India Howard’s layup with 1:40 on the clock. North Alabama extended its lead to seven with a layup and free throws with 42 seconds left.
Austin Peay State University got as close as four at 54-50 from Perkins’ free throw and Thomas’ layup, but the Lions ended the game with a free throw by Alvarado to take the 55-50 win.
The Difference
Points in the paint. The Lions outscored the Governors 28-18 from the paint.
Inside The Box Score
- Jade Rucker led with 12 points; Jim’Miyah Branton had 11.
- Rucker had a team-high two steals.
- Branton led with three assists.
- Lameria Thomas led with seven rebounds.
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 is back in action on Saturday, February 7th, as they travel to Richmond, KY, to face Eastern Kentucky. The tip-off time will be announced later.
