Austin Peay women’s basketball snapped its losing streak Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, with an 85–47 statement win over Queens at F&M Bank Arena, using suffocating defense and balanced scoring to control the game from start to finish.

The Governors set the tone early by jumping passing lanes, forcing turnovers and turning steals into quick points. Austin Peay raced out to a 22–11 first-quarter lead while holding Queens to just four made field goals. Ines Gnahore sparked the opening surge, scoring seven early points and helping the Govs establish momentum they never gave back.

The second quarter turned the game into a runaway. A three-pointer from Anovia Sheals pushed the margin to 19, and Austin Peay closed the half on an 8–0 burst capped by a JaNiah Newell buzzer-beating three. The Govs entered the locker room ahead 46–14 after one of their most complete halves of the season.

Queens showed life in the third quarter with an 11–0 run, but Austin Peay quickly steadied itself. Kyra Perkins stopped the Royals’ momentum at the free-throw line, and the defense tightened again as the Govs rebuilt their cushion.

By the fourth quarter, the outcome was no longer in doubt. Austin Peay stretched the lead to as many as 41 and continued to pressure the ball until the final horn.

Newell led the Governors with 15 points and a career-high five three-pointers. Gnahore added 14 points, Sheals finished with 13 and Perkins scored 12 while shooting a perfect six-for-six from the line. Lameria Thomas anchored the paint with 10 rebounds, and Austin Peay’s bench dominated, outscoring Queens 30–9.

The Govs forced turnovers throughout the night and converted them into 23 points, a reflection of the defensive intensity that defined the game.

Austin Peay improves to 14–9 overall and 6–7 in ASUN play with the win. The Governors return to F&M Bank Arena on Saturday, Feb. 14, with a 2 p.m. tipoff as they look to build on the momentum.