What to expect from Austin Peay basketball entering A-SUN conference play

CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The new year is here, and A-SUN conference play has kicked off for each Austin Peay basketball program.

Nate James and the Austin Peay men’s basketball team (6-9) is currently riding a four-game losing streak. Their latest two losses came against Queens University and North Florida.

However, the Govs were only defeated by a slim margin against conference foes. During each contest, they lost by a mere two possessions. In the end, each matchup could have gone either way.

There are plenty of positive takeaways, For instance, Austin Peay has found a new, profound rhythm on offense.

There are several areas of improvement when comparing the Govs season statistics to their conference statistics through two games. All statistical data from the article can be found on the A-SUN conference page. 

Areas of improvement include points scored per game, assists per game, overall shooting percentage, 3-point shooting percentage and offensive turnovers per game. These numbers suggest Austin Peay has begun to move the ball more efficiently while making the most of their chances on the offensive end.

Meanwhile, it seemed as though the Govs defense had been one of their biggest strengths up to this point. However, the data shows their defense hasn’t been as effective in conference play.

There’s been a decrease in categories such as points allowed per game, steals per game and turnovers forced per game. One area they have improved is their ability to protect the rim. They are averaging around one more block per game.

Austin Peay is scheduled to finish the week against conference opponents Florida Gulf Coast (12-3) and Central Arkansas (5-10). APSU will host Florida Gulf Coast on Thursday, Jan. 5, and will look to host Central Arkansas on Saturday, Jan. 7.

Austin Peay women’s basketball

The Lady Govs (6-5) have compiled a three-game winning streak that dates back to Dec. 13, defeating Murray State, UNC Asheville and Queens University.

With the 62-43 blowout victory over Queens, they move their conference record to 1-0. The Lady Govs has the 5th highest winning percentage in the A-SUN conference this season.

One reason is that Brittany Young has developed one of the best defensive teams in the A-SUN conference.

Austin Peay women’s basketball is ranked Top 5 in numerous A-SUN statistical categories. Categories such as steals per game and forced turnovers per game speak volumes about the pressure the Lady Govs apply when on defense. The pressure they create on the perimeter is another reason their opponents have a low 3-point percentage.

They are holding opponents to around 56.8 points per game, which is second of all A-SUN teams.

The Lady Govs’ week concludes Thursday, Jan. 5, as the team travels to Kennesaw State (4-8).