Preview: North Florida Visits Austin Peay in Women’s Basketball Rematch

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — The Austin Peay Governors look to continue their strong season and complete a regular-season sweep when they host the North Florida Ospreys in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Thursday at the Winfield Dunn Center.

The Governors (13-5) decisively won the first meeting this season, 80-55, at North Florida on Jan. 3. Austin Peay enters on a high note after an 86-81 road victory at Stetson on Saturday, powered by 23 points from guard Anovia Sheals.

Sheals has been a consistent offensive force, averaging 16.1 points per game over her last eight contests. She scored 18 points in the earlier win over North Florida.

The Ospreys (7-12) are seeking to halt a two-game skid and find more consistent offense. They are coming off an 88-54 loss at Eastern Kentucky on Saturday, where guard Jamisyn Stinson led the team with 17 points.

Stinson has shown scoring bursts recently, including a 19-point performance in a win at Bellarmine on Jan. 22, but was held to six points in the first matchup against Austin Peay’s defense.

Austin Peay has been strong at home this season, while North Florida has struggled on the road, with a 2-8 record away from Jacksonville. The Governors’ defense, which allowed an average of just 52.3 points in three wins prior to the Stetson game, will aim to contain Stinson and force turnovers.

The Ospreys will need a significant improvement from their 30.4% team shooting performance in the January loss to the Governors to be competitive in the rematch.

Tipoff is scheduled for Thursday night in Clarksville.