FLORENCE, Ala. – Austin Peay State University women’s basketball team suffered a 55-50 defeat at the hands of North Alabama on Wednesday at CB&S Bank Arena, marking their first road loss of the season.
A Tale of Two Halves
North Alabama (11-10, 6-4 ASUN) began the game strongly, establishing a 9-4 lead within the first six minutes. Austin Peay (13-8, 5-6 ASUN) responded with points from JaNiah Newell and a three-pointer by Jade Rucker, narrowing the gap to 12-11 by the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter saw a significant shift in momentum for the Governors. After falling behind 17-12, Austin Peay embarked on a 12-0 run, briefly taking a seven-point lead at 27-20. Free throws from Kyra Perkins and Lameria Thomas extended this advantage to nine points, 31-22, late in the half before North Alabama’s Alexsandra Alvarado scored to make it 31-25 at the break.
Austin Peay continued its strong play into the third quarter, building a 10-point lead, 40-30, with layups from Anovia Sheals. However, North Alabama closed the third quarter with an 8-0 run, tightening the contest.
The fourth quarter was tightly contested, featuring three ties, the last at 45 with 4:06 remaining. North Alabama ultimately pulled ahead with a three-pointer from Sofia Ceppelloti and a layup by India Howard, securing a 55-50 victory with a final free throw from Alvarado.
Key to the Outcome
North Alabama’s success stemmed from their dominance in the paint, where they outscored Austin Peay 28-18.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the game?
The final score was North Alabama 55, Austin Peay 50.
Who led the scoring for Austin Peay?
The source does not specify who led the scoring for Austin Peay, only mentioning contributions from JaNiah Newell, Jade Rucker, Kyra Perkins, Lameria Thomas, and Anovia Sheals.
When is Austin Peay’s next game?
Austin Peay’s next game is scheduled for February 7, 2026, at Eastern Kentucky.
Given this hard-fought contest, what adjustments do you think the Austin Peay coaching staff will prioritize as they prepare for their next game?
