After a hard-fought final game Austin Peay’s women’s basketball team will be heading to the NCAA tournament hoping to make history for themselves, and for their school.
Austin Peay’s women defeated Eastern Illinois’ Panthers in the final game of the regular Women’s basketball season. It was a tough game, the conclusion of regular time found no winner and was sent into over-time, and the conclusion of the first OT found no winner either. Austin Peay finally pulled ahead in the second over time to get one up against their opponent beating them 69-65. (http://ovcsports.com/news/2009/3/7/34725.aspx?path=wbball) Austin Peay has a strong team with great scorers and women who know how to play the game. (http://letsgopeay.com/roster.aspx?roster=92&path=wbball) This game marks the end of a fantastic season and beautifully played basketball. The women had a fantastic year with great moments throughout, and we are lucky enough to have captured some of these great moments that occurred throughout the regular season. (https://issuu.com/letsgopeay/docs/0910-apsu-wbb-mg)
To have a better understanding of just how close this final game was, let us dive into what occurred during the game, and get an insight from coaches and players.
Shooting stats for both teams were below par, as both Eastern Illinois and Austin Peay had a hard time finding success from the field, as both teams field goal percentage was below 50%. Austin Peay’s coach Carrie Daniels had some kind words about opposing Panthers after the close finish, “They kept fighting, that’s what they do.” Peay’s Ashley Hearing lead the charge for the W as she completed 9/16 shots and ended up with a team leading 21 points. April Thomas was close behind going 4/10 and contributed 13 points to Peay’s stressful win. EIU had a hard time keeping control of the ball and resulted in turning the ball over 25 times. EIU senior Lindsey Kluempers had some words about the game, “It just wasn’t our day. They made more plays than us.” Panther’s Rachel Gilligan put on a show converting 12 of her 15 attempts from the field and ended up with 24 points, however, her teammates could not seem to find the back of the net as they struggled to convert from the field. With this win Austin Peay will be traveling to the NCAA tournament next week in hopes of furthering their winning streak. Eastern Illinois still has a chance to reach the National Invitational Tournament.