If you blinked during the final ten seconds at F&M Bank Arena on Thursday night, you probably missed the heart-stopping finish that kept the Austin Peay winning streak alive. Honestly, it was one of those games that makes college hoops so special—and so incredibly stressful for the fans in Clarksville. The final Austin Peay basketball score ended up 74-72 in favor of the Governors, but that two-point margin doesn't even begin to tell the whole story of how they escaped Eastern Kentucky.
The Govs are currently sitting on a seven-game winning streak. Seven. That’s not just a lucky run; it’s a statement. Under Coach Corey Gipson, this team has found a way to win the "ugly" games, the "track meet" games, and now, the "buzzer-beater heart attack" games.
The Chaos Against EKU: Breaking Down the 74-72 Win
The game against Eastern Kentucky was basically a tale of two halves with a chaotic cherry on top. Austin Peay started like they were shot out of a cannon, jumping to a 22-8 lead. You'd think a 14-point lead at home would mean a blowout, right? Not in the ASUN. EKU clawed back, eventually taking a lead in the second half that they held for nearly 12 minutes.
Zyree Collins is the Real Deal
Freshman Zyree Collins is playing like a guy who’s been in the league for five years. He finished with 18 points and a staggering six steals. When the Govs needed a bucket to stem the tide, he was the one pulling the trigger. It was his three-pointer late in the second half that finally gave Austin Peay the lead back, and they didn't let go—though EKU tried their best to take it.
The Shot That Didn't Count
This is the part that’ll be talked about at the local bars for a while. With Austin Peay up by two, EKU’s MJ Williams launched a prayer of a three-pointer from the top of the key. It went in. The net snapped, the EKU bench started to celebrate, and then... silence. The officials ruled the horn sounded just a fraction of a second before the ball left his hand. Game over. Governors win.
A Season of Momentum: Where Austin Peay Stands Now
Right now, the Governors are 11-5 overall and a perfect 5-0 in Atlantic Sun Conference play. Being undefeated in the conference this late into January is huge. It puts a massive target on their back, but they seem to like it.
The stats for the 2025-26 season show a team that thrives on defensive pressure. They are averaging about 11.5 steals per game, which is actually one of the top marks in the entire country. They don't just wait for you to miss; they actively take the ball away from you.
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- Collin Parker: The senior forward is the steady hand, averaging 15.9 points and nearly 6 rebounds.
- Rashaud Marshall: A force inside, he chipped in 12 points and 9 boards in the EKU win.
- Ja'Corey Robinson: Added 15 points against the Colonels, proving this team has depth beyond just one or two stars.
What's Next for the Govs?
The schedule doesn't get any easier. Austin Peay is heading to Nashville today, January 17, for a massive showdown against Lipscomb. This is a battle for the top of the conference. Lipscomb is 11-7 and 4-1 in the ASUN, and they haven't lost a single game at home all year (8-0).
If Austin Peay wants to keep that "1" in the loss column for conference play, they’re going to have to find a way to break the Bisons' home-court advantage. Lipscomb leads the league in assists, so the Govs' perimeter defense—the same one that bothered EKU all night—is going to be the deciding factor.
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Keep an eye on the turnover margin. Austin Peay is currently forcing about 17 turnovers a game. If they can get Lipscomb into a disorganized, fast-paced game, they have a real shot at making it eight wins in a row.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following the Austin Peay basketball score or planning to bet on the upcoming games, keep these things in mind:
- Watch the Spread: The Govs have been surprisingly good as underdogs this year, but they are now entering the territory where they'll be favorites more often than not.
- Freshman Impact: Zyree Collins is a "must-watch." His ability to generate steals translates directly into fast-break points, which often decides the over/under for Peay games.
- Venue Shift: Moving from the F&M Bank Arena to the road is a big test. They are 4-5 on the road this season compared to being undefeated at home.
The race for the ASUN tournament is heating up, and right now, the road to the title runs through Clarksville. Check the live scores tonight around 7:00 PM CT to see if the Governors can keep the magic alive in Nashville.