CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The #8 seeded Austin Peay Governors took down the #4 seeded Stetson Hatters on Saturday, March 7, in the semifinal round of the ASUN conference tournament, winning 68-52.
The massive win for the Govs means the team will advance to the ASUN conference tournament championship for the first time in program history. Saturday’s matchup was a full team effort, and arguably the best game the Govs have played all season in conference play.
The Govs got off to a hot start and never looked back. After the first quarter, the team had an 18-17 lead. Then, in the second, the Govs opened the quarter on a 10-3 run. The Hatters went on a run of their own and tied the game at 35 at one point, but a three-pointer from Jade Rucker ensured the Govs went into halftime with a 38-35 lead.
Both teams struggled to find much offense in the third, with the Govs scoring eight points in the quarter and the Hatters scoring just seven. However, the best offense of the day was getting ready to happen in the fourth quarter, at least for Austin Peay.
The Govs went on an 18-1 run at the start of the fourth quarter, led by Mya Williams hitting four three-pointers in a row. The Govs had a 21-point lead with five minutes to play, and the Hatters could never recover.
What stood out: Three-point shooting, defense
The Govs were able to defeat Eastern Kentucky in the quarterfinal round despite going 0-23 from behind the three-point line. The shooting was much better in this game, as the team shot 11-33, much more on par with their season average. Jade Rucker, Kyra Perkins, and Mya Williams each made at least three three-pointers in the contest.
Austin Peay has played fantastic defense all tournament, but the performance against Stetson was especially impressive. The Govs forced 15 turnovers from the Hatters, while also holding their opponents to 5-22 from three-point line.
ASUN Championship against Jacksonville
With Saturday’s win, the Govs will have Sunday off, then play against the #2 seeded Jacksonville Dolphins in the 2025-26 ASUN Conference Tournament Championship.
This will be the third meeting of the season between these teams. The Govs knocked off the Dolphins on the road in early January and lost the rematch in Clarksville later that month.
With a win, the Govs will secure their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2010 and their eighth all-time appearance. If the men’s team is able to win on Saturday, the Govs will have both teams in the championship round.
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