MURRAY, KY. — (CLARKSVILLENOW) What could go wrong seemingly did for Austin Peay State University men’s basketball against Murray State, Saturday, as the Govs found themselves on the wrong side of a 102-58 decision at CFSB Center.
Simply put, Austin Peay could not find the range in Murray. After hitting three of their first seven shots, the Governors hit just 5-of-21 the rest of the first half, including 3-of-12 over the final nine minutes of the half. Murray State, meanwhile, hit 22-of-38 first half attempts, including 5-of-9 from beyond the arc.
Although the Governors were able to display a more efficient shooting stroke in the second half, hitting 46.2 percent (12-for-26) as a team, the Racers were able to capitalize with a 65.5 percent (19-for-29) performance from the floor over the final 20 minutes, with six Racers ultimately scoring in double figures.
Three Governors—Josh Robinson (15 points), John Murry (14) and Kenny Jones (12)—scored in double figures, with Jones pulling down four of his team-high six boards in the game’s first five minutes.
The Difference
Pick your poison here: Austin Peay was outrebounded 43-21—the season’s largest deficit for the Govs— but also allowed Murray State to score 62 points in the paint, most by a Governor opponent in 2016-17.
Austin Peay returns home for the season’s final homestand, hosting Eastern Illinois, 7 p.m., Feb. 16 in the Dunn Center. The night will be a Blackout Night, as the Govs don their black unis for the first time in the regular season.