Austin Peay defeated the Bellarmine University women’s basketball team 67-39 in an Atlantic Sun Conference game held Thursday at Knights Hall in Louisville. The Governors, now holding an 11-4 record overall and 3-2 in conference play, applied consistent full-court pressure throughout the contest.
Bellarmine struggled with injuries, which Austin Peay exploited through aggressive defense. The Governors scored 20 points off turnovers in the first half and finished with a total of 29 points from Bellarmine’s errors. In addition to capitalizing on turnovers, Austin Peay hit six three-pointers during the opening two quarters. By halftime, 36 of their 44 points had come either from inside the paint or beyond the arc.
For Bellarmine (now 2-16 overall and 0-5 in ASUN), sophomore guard Ava Smith recorded a career-high 16 points and matched her personal best by making four three-point shots. Senior center Patricia Sherrill contributed seven rebounds for the Knights.
Freshman guard Mariah Daniels made her collegiate debut after recently joining Bellarmine’s roster, scoring her first basket on a long jumper from the corner.
Jade Rucker led Austin Peay alongside Smith with a game-high of 16 points. The Governors tallied 17 assists on their 25 field goals and recorded 16 steals.
Bellarmine is scheduled to host Eastern Kentucky at home on Saturday at 2 p.m. Eastern Time.
