The Austin Peay women’s basketball team made history at the ASUN Championship quarterfinals. On March 5, 2026, Austin Peay defeated the No. 1-seeded Eastern Kentucky Colonels 45-41 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. Austin Peay entered the tournament as the No. 8 seed and had all odds against them facing the No. 1-seeded Colonels.

Austin Peay’s defense shined on the hardwood, causing the Colonels to commit 21 turnovers and shoot 15-for-51 from the field. Anovia Sheals showed why she was selected to the Second Team All-ASUN as a sophomore, playing aggressively on both sides of the ball. Sheals posted 19 points, three rebounds and one steal in 30 minutes of play.

Jim’Miyah Branton played to prove that the All-Freshman Team selection this season was just the start. Branton posted 14 points, nine rebounds, three assists and one steal in 37 minutes of play and put on a clinic at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.

For Austin Peay, this win marks the first time the Govs have ever beaten a No. 1-seeded team in ASUN Tournament play.

The Eastern Kentucky Colonels truly crumbled under pressure. Coming into this matchup, the Colonels were the No. 1 seed in the ASUN Tournament and were averaging 73.6 points per game. The Colonels, known for their ability to find the open woman on the perimeter, were completely shut down, shooting 3-for-24 from beyond the arc. The Colonels did find success in the interior, with 24 of their 41 points coming in the paint. The Colonels were also able to get to the free-throw line, shooting 8-for-12. This loss marks the Colonels’ exit from the tournament and a sour ending to a great season.

The Austin Peay women’s basketball team will look to continue this historic season, as the Govs are set to face Stetson in the ASUN Championship semifinal at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on March 7 at 10 a.m.