KENNESAW, Ga. – With finals and its longest break between games to date behind it, Austin Peay State University women’s basketball team returns to the court when it meets Kennesaw State in a 1 p.m. (CT), Saturday contest at the KSU Convocation Center.
The Govs seven-day break between games is its longest this season and follows a 28-day span that saw it play 10 games, including nine games in an 18-day stretch to begin the season. Combined with one of the nation’s toughest schedules, the wear-and-tear may have been on display as Austin Peay has been outscored in the second half in each of its last five games (127-78 in the third quarter and 225-151 in the second half).
Austin Peay did a better job of keeping up in the second half during its 88-69 loss at Western Kentucky, last Saturday. The Govs lost the second half battle by just four points, 40-36, in the 19-point decision. However, Austin Peay’s defense was a concern in the contest as it allowed the Hilltoppers to shoot a season-best 60.3 percent from the floor. It was the highest field-goal percentage allowed by an APSU team since Feb. 7, 2009 when it allowed Murray State to shoot 62.5 percent.
Five Govs players reached double-digit scoring territory in the loss. Senior Tiasha Gray posted a team-best 17 points along with eight assists, five steals and four rebounds. Sophomore Madison Rich added a season-best 15 points and sophomore Brianne Alexander chipped in 15 points. Austin Peay shot a season-best 48.3 percent for the game.
Kennesaw State brings a two-game losing streak into Saturday’s matchup. The Owls fell to Georgia and Mercer during December’s opening week and return to action for the first time since last Saturday. Kennesaw State has also played Ohio Valley Conference member Jacksonville State this season, dropping a 61-52 decision in Jacksonville, Nov. 19.