Score: Tennessee State 59, Austin Peay 68
Records: TSU (1-5, 0-3) , APSU (6-3, 2-1)
Location: Nashville, Tenn.
Arena: Gentry Center
Attendance: 230
NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee State men's basketball team completed its 2020 slate at home in the Gentry Center with a loss to Austin Peay, 68-59, Wednesday, Dec. 30. Big Blue is now 1-5 on the season, 0-3 in Ohio Valley Conference play.
Down just two at halftime, a slew of scoring droughts and the Govs' ability to pull down offensive rebounds for second-chance points led to the Tigers' third league defeat.
Marcus Fitzgerald Jr., who heard his name in the starting lineup for the first time as a collegiate athlete, led the Tigers in scoring with 13. Fitzgerald was the sole Tiger to score double digits, while three Governors notched double digits, led by Reginald Gee with 20.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- TSU Leaders
- Amorey Womack had a career game scoring a season-high nine points, five rebounds.
- Womack shot 60 percent from three-point distance, (3-of-5).
- This marks the second game this season Fitzgerald has led the team in scoring.
- Big Blue held the Govs to 36 percent shooting in the second half, compare to 61.9 percent in the first.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- A slow start plagued both teams as the baskets were motionless through the first two minutes of action
- APSU gets on the board with an and-one.
- Mark Freeman draws a foul allowing him to tie the game at the charity stripe, 11-11.
- The Govs enter a 9-0 run over the course of 2:23.
- Back to back Marcus Fitzgerald, Jr. floaters keep the Tigers in the game, 18-20.
- Big Blue enters the locker room down two at the half, 33-35. APSU shot 61.9 percent from the field, TSU 37.0 percent.
- At first media timeout, the Tigers had only put up one point, while Austin Peay went on another 7-0 run to start the half.
- Amorey Womack subs in and immediately makes an impact with a quick three-pointer assisted by Mason Green, 39-49.
- In a dire need of an offensive spark, Womack dishes the ball to Monty Johal for a bucket.
- The Tigers go over two and a half minutes without a field goal, and the final 30 seconds of action with just four free throws, solidifying the Governor win, 59-68.
GAME NOTES
- Marcus Fitzgerald, Jr. made his first start for Big Blue.
- This marks the 80th meeting between Tennessee State and Austin Peay.
- Brian "Penny" Collins is 1-4 against the Govs.
- APSU now leads the all-time series 49-31.
UP NEXT
Tennessee State men and women will hit the road for its first game of the New Year in Cape Girardeau, Missouri to take on Southeast Missouri, Saturday, Jan. 2. Tip on ESPN+ is set for 5 p.m. CT.
Gallery: (12-30-2020) Men's Basketball vs Austin Peay
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