MARTIN, Tenn. – (CLARKSVILLENOW) Senior center Tearra Banks posted 27 points, leading a group of five players to record double figures, in Austin Peay State University women’s basketball team’s 83-80 road loss at UT Martin, Wednesday.
The Governors led for nearly 25 minutes in the contest after a 37-34 halftime advantage. Banks asserted herself in the paint, gaining position against the Skyhawks while her teammates also converted open looks in reaching 80 points for third time this season.
Senior forward Beth Rates recorded a double-double (12 points, 11 rebounds), junior guard Bri Williams had 11 points and sophomore guard Keisha Gregory and junior center Brianne Alexander totaled 10 apiece.
Austin Peay held a one-point lead with 2:26 remaining in the contest, but back-to-back shots by the Skyhawks gave APSU its first deficit since the 9:35 mark of the fourth period. With 19 seconds to play, Banks put up a contested shot in the lane, with UTM grabbing the rebound and went on to make a pair of free throws.
On the Govs next possession, Williams nailed a big three-pointer to cut the gap to one point with four seconds left on the clock, with APSU then sending the Skyhawks back to the line for two free throws. After both were successful, head coach David Midlick drew up a play for Banks to catch the ball near midcourt, then flipped to redshirt sophomore guard Falon Baker who got a good look from three which would have tied the game at the buzzer.
Austin Peay returns to the Dunn Center, 4 p.m., Saturday, hosting Southeast Missouri on Military Appreciate Day.