Austin Peay State University’s men’s basketball team suffered its first Atlantic Sun Conference loss of the season, falling 82-78 to Lipscomb at Allen Arena in Nashville on Saturday.
The game was closely contested, featuring 26 lead changes and eight ties. Both teams shot over 45% from the field and made at least 75% of their free throws.
Rashaud Marshal led Austin Peay (11-6, 5-1 ASUN) with 23 points, which tied for the second-highest scoring game of his career. It was also his highest point total since scoring 24 against Fisk in the nonconference finale. Marshall led the Governors in scoring for the third time this season and topped the team in rebounds for the ninth time with six boards.
The opening stages saw each of the first 14 baskets result in either a lead change or tie. Lipscomb (12-8, 5-1 ASUN) went on a seven-point run midway through the first half to take a 21-14 lead. After extending their advantage to nine points, Austin Peay responded with a run sparked by Marshall that put them ahead following a Collin Parker three-pointer.
A step-back three by Anton Brookshire gave Austin Peay a two-point halftime lead. At halftime, Marshall had scored 12 points while shooting 6-for-8 from the floor. The Governors shot over 51% from the field and made half of their three-point attempts in the first period while holding Lipscomb to just one three-pointer.
Lipscomb regained control early in the second half and maintained its lead until Brookshire and Tate McCubbin helped Austin Peay go ahead again. The teams continued to trade leads before Lipscomb used another seven-point run after forcing turnovers to regain momentum.
Austin Peay’s last lead came with just over six minutes remaining after a McCubbin three-pointer. Lipscomb extended its advantage down the stretch despite Austin Peay making all seven free throw attempts in the final minutes.
A key factor was scoring inside; Lipscomb outscored Austin Peay 50-38 in points in the paint and converted on 58% of its two-point shots compared to Austin Peay’s 49%.
The loss dropped Austin Peay’s all-time record against Lipscomb to an even split at 40 wins each, including a record of 14-19 when playing in Nashville. The defeat ended Austin Peay’s conference-best seven-game winning streak and marked their first loss in Atlantic Sun play this season.
Travis Torain played a season-high 18 minutes, recording six points and five rebounds—both his second-highest marks this year. Tate McCubbin registered three steals, tying his second-best mark for steals this season and marking his ninth multi-steal game.
The Governors will return home next week for games against Florida Gulf Coast on Thursday at 7 p.m., followed by Stetson on Saturday at 4 p.m.
