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CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Austin Peay scored the first basket of the game and led the entire contest picking up a 83-72 win over Eastern Illinois on Thursday night in Clarksville, Tenn.
EIU fell to 8-17 overall, 5-7 in the OVC. EIU will return to action next Wednesday at Murray State with a 7 p.m. start. APSU improved to 9-16 overall, 6-6 in the OVC.
Jennifer Nwokocha scored the first basket of the game converting a three point play. The Lady Govs extended the lead to 10-2 as Beth Rates made a jumper in the paint. APSU finished the night with a 40-24 points in the paint advantage.
Tiasha Gray would push APSU's lead to 12 points on a pair of free throws with 9:48 to play as they led 28-16. Gray led all players with 31 points going 9-of-14 at the free throw line.
Alece Shumpert, who had not scored for EIU since the second game of the season, was the hero for the Panthers in the first half coming off the bench and hitting 4-of-4 from 3-point range. Shumpert finished with 18 points.
EIU would get to within three points on a
Sabina Oroszova 3-pointer with 2:46 to play as EIU trailed 40-37. APSU would close out the half leading 45-38.
Kristen Stainback hit a 3-pointer with 14:48 to play to give APSU a double figure lead they would never relinquish. Stainback had 18 points while Nwokocha had 12 points to round out the double figure scorers for APSU.
EIU had four players finish in double figures. Thomas tied Shumpert with 18 points. Oroszova had 12 points.Â
Erica Brown had a double-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds.Â