CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – (CLARKSVILLENOW) All five starters scored in double figures for Austin Peay State University in Saturday’s contest against Southeast Missouri, before a packed house in the Dunn Center.
Unfortunately, a second-half shooting swoon doomed the Governors in an 82-71 loss to the Redhawks, who grabbed the lead in the OVC West Division with the victory.
Both squads experienced peaks and valleys in the first half, with six ties and four lead changes. With the Redhawks keying on Josh Robinson defensively, senior Kenny Jones went into the break with 10 points and six boards while the Govs trailed 44-39 after Southeast Missouri closed the half on an 11-5 run.
The Governors shooting dipped precipitously in the second half, but chances remained, particularly after Jared Savage cut the deficit to three at the 11:11 mark. However, a near-seven minute stretch with just one made field goal would put the Governors behind the eight-ball and forced the Governors to put Southeast Missouri on the free-throw line; the Redhawks converted 8-of-10 at the stripe over the final 1:24 to preserve the lead.
Southeast Missouri hit 47.6 percent (10-for-21) from the floor in the second half while Austin Peay hit at merely a 32.0 percent (8-for-25) clip.
APSU recognized Vietnam War veterans at Saturday’s game against SEMO and celebrated Military Appreciation Day in a halftime ceremony.