Behind a career night from Arielle Gonzalez-Varner, Austin Peay State University women’s basketball team downed Tennessee State 75-59, Thursday. Austin Peay (11-7) came out strong, shooting 50.0 percent from the floor taking an early eight-point lead. The Governors dribble penetration created opportunities for shooters beyond the arc, as the Govs went 5-for-7 from three-point territory in the first quarter. Keisha Gregory led the way going 2-for-2 from deep, scoring nine points in the opening quarter.
Falon Baker dished out three assists and Gonzalez-Varner pulled down two offensive rebounds in the first half, but the Tigers closed the gap in the second period, tying the game at 28 with five and half minutes left in the second quarter. Both teams traded baskets in the second period and headed into the half knotted at 34 apiece.
The Governors defense held the Tigers to 1-of-10 to open the third quarter as the Govs went 6-for-6 from the stripe to cushion their lead. Gonzalez-Varner and Jemiah Harrison combined for nine points late in the third quarter as the Govs outscored the Tigers 21-14.
Brianne Alexander scored six points and pulled down three rebounds, while Brianah Ferby posted four points and four rebounds in the fourth quarter as the Govs sprinted out to a 20-point lead. The Tigers made a late 6-0 run, but Baker drained a deep three to secure the Governors first road win since Dec. 5.
Alexander lead the Govs with 16 points and seven rebounds, with Ferby adding 15 points and seven rebounds, and Gregory scoring 12 points and pulling down five rebounds.
Gonzalez-Varner tied a career high scoring 6 points and pulled down a career best eight rebounds. Michaela Campbell and Harrison scored six and five points respectively, with each adding four rebounds.
(Courtesy APSU Athletics)