THURSDAY'S SCORES
@West Virginia 84,
Austin Peay 53
WEST VIRGINIA 84, AUSTIN PEAY 53
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - Austin Peay State University men's basketball team could not overcome a stifling West Virginia defense in a hostile road environment, falling 84-53 to the Mountaineers, Thursday.
The Govs were undone by a drought of stupendous proportions in the first half and a West Virginia unit clearly angered by its season's first loss over the weekend at St. John's and looking to take that frustration out on Austin Peay.
The Govs actually matched the Mountaineers bucket-for-bucket early, hitting five of their first 10 shots and generally taking everything their hosts were able to dish out. At the 12:34 mark, a Terry Taylor bucket in the paint pulled the Govs within one at 12-11.
On the ensuing possession, a play happened that changed the complexion of the game when Eli Abaev took an elbow to the face, breaking his nose and knocking him out of the game. Without one of their most reliable rebounders and fast-twitch athletes, the Govs would struggle to keep West Virginia off the glass.
After that 5-for-10 start to the night from the floor, the Govs went ice-cold, hitting just four of their next 26 shots. By the time the Govs were able to right the ship offensively, West Virginia had largely pulled away.
Of individual performances, there were a few bright spots in red. Taylor finished with 19 points and six rebounds and looked every bit the player he's known to be within the league. Sophomore Antwuan Butler attacked the hoop over and over again, picking up a career-high 14 points and four steals. Carlos Paez hit the lone three of the evening for the Govs and finished with seven points.