The Austin Peay Governors overcame a 14-point halftime deficit and secured a 77-76 victory over the North Florida Ospreys on Thursday night with a last-second basket.
A Tale of Two Halves
Entering the game with an eight-game winning streak, the Governors were looking to maintain their one-game lead over Central Arkansas in the ASUN standings. The Ospreys, at the bottom of the conference, presented an early challenge, leading by as many as 16 points in the first half. Austin Peay trailed 43-29 at halftime, shooting just 28% from the field.
A strong second-half performance, fueled by Rashaud Marshall’s nine points in the first seven minutes, allowed the Governors to tie the game around the 10-minute mark. Marshall ultimately led the team with a season-high 27 points and 14 rebounds.
Dramatic Finish in Jacksonville
With 32 seconds remaining and trailing 75-73, the Governors called a timeout. Marshall then scored a game-tying dunk with 19 seconds left. A subsequent steal by Zyree Collins with under two seconds to play led to a timeout call – despite the Governors having none remaining.
The resulting technical foul awarded the Ospreys two free throws, with Kamrin Oriol making one to place North Florida ahead 76-75 with just over one second on the clock. Anton Brookshire then secured the win for Austin Peay with a basket at the buzzer.
Marshall, Brookshire, Collins, and Collin Parker all scored in double figures for the Governors. The team outscored the Ospreys 48-33 in the second half.
What’s Next?
Austin Peay, now 14-1 in conference play, will remain in Jacksonville to prepare for a Saturday matchup against the Jacksonville Dolphins. Maintaining their lead in the ASUN standings will likely require continued strong performances from Marshall and the rest of the team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the game?
The final score was Austin Peay 77, North Florida 76.
Who led the Governors in scoring?
Rashaud Marshall led the Governors with 27 points.
What happened in the final seconds of the game?
After a technical foul gave North Florida a one-point lead with just over one second remaining, Anton Brookshire scored a basket for Austin Peay to win the game.
What does it take to overcome a significant halftime deficit and secure a victory like this?
