SUNDAY'S SCORES
Austin Peay 80, Alabama State 69 (St. Petersburg, Fla.)
AUSTIN PEAY 80, ALABAMA STATE 69
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Down to eight dressed players, Austin Peay State University men's basketball team willed its way to an 80-69 win against Alabama State to close out the 2019 St. Pete Shootout on a high note.
The Govs are back to .500 at 6-6 with one nonconference contest remaining. Perhaps more importantly, they'll get a well-earned eight day break to recuperate, which hopefully will serve to allow the healthy players to get their legs back and those ailing to get back to full health.
From the get-go, it was obvious this was going to be the Jordyn and Terry Show; the Austin Peay duo scored 23 of the Governors first 25 points, with Adams slashing the lane and Taylor shedding defenders left and right on the block or rising to take lob passes from Austin Peay's guards. Offensively, the Governors were in fine shape; however, Alabama State was uncharacteristically hot from three to open the contest, hitting 7-of-12 from deep and matching the Govs bucket for bucket in the first half to head into halftime tied at 35.
The tide finally turned the Govs way thanks to an early 10-0 second half run featuring seven points from Adams and a three from Alec Woodard in his first career start. Although the Govs would never trail again, the contest was far from over—the Hornets would tie the game up with under 10 minutes to play after an 8-0 run.
With the rotation short, the Govs dug deep over the final 10 minutes and got a contribution from everyone. Evan Hinson attacked the basket for a pair of buckets. Time and again, Taylor skied above everyone to snatch entry passes and lay them in before the defense could react. Adams continued to get in the lane and absorb contact; he and Taylor both finished with 30 points in a showcase for what Ohio Valley Conference foes have in store come January.