Austin Peay defeats Jacksonville 71-68

Thrilling 71-68 Win for Austin Peay at Home

In a back-and-forth affair, the Austin Peay Governors took down their conference foes, Jacksonville, 71-68, in front of a raucous crowd at F&M Bank Arena on Monday night.

The game was a thriller from the opening tip, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to gain a clear advantage. At halftime, the Governors held a slim 43-38 lead, but the visitors refused to back down. Jacksonville's potent offense continued to fire on all cylinders in the second half, narrowing the deficit to just three points with under two minutes remaining.

However, Austin Peay's experience and poise proved too much for the visitors. The Governors' Zyree Collins led the way, scoring 23 points, including five crucial buckets down the stretch. Tate McCubbin chipped in with seven rebounds, six points, and three steals to anchor a strong Governors' defense.

For Jacksonville, Jaylen Jones put up 16 points but struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on just one of four attempts. Jason Thirdkill Jr. paced the visitors with 11 points and 10 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome Austin Peay's depth and determination.

The final margin was a mere three points, reflecting the intensity and competitiveness of this matchup. Both teams demonstrated remarkable resilience, refusing to yield even when the game seemed all but out of reach.

In terms of statistics, both teams performed admirably, with Austin Peay showcasing its shooting prowess from beyond the arc (6/20) while Jacksonville's 3-pointers (9/21) told a different story. However, it was the Governors' ability to limit turnovers and capitalize on fast break opportunities that ultimately proved decisive.

As the two teams parted ways, it was clear that both had given it their all in this thrilling conference showdown. Austin Peay emerged victorious, but Jacksonville earned valuable experience against an opponent they'll need again soon.