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MOREHEAD, Ky. – Despite cutting the host team's lead from 28 to five, the Morehead State men's basketball team could not overcome a hot-shooting first-half by the Govs Saturday night at Austin Peay in falling 92-76.
 
A 25-6 run from the 18:30 mark of the final half down to the 11:30 mark pulled the Eagles to within 10 (59-49), and later the Eagles cut the Govs' cushion to as low as five (68-63), but Austin Peay built its hefty lead by shooting 58 percent from the floor in the first half.
 
"We told our guys Austin Peay is a physical team, and we must drive the ball to score," said head coach Preston Spradlin. "We knew it was going to be an absolute war in the paint, but unfortunately we didn't come ready to do any of that."
 
Morehead State slipped to 6-15 overall and 2-8 in the OVC, while APSU moved to 12-10 and 7-3. For the second straight game, MSU scored more than 50 points in the second half.
 
Sophomore guard Djimon Henson paced the Eagles with 16 points, while junior guard A.J. Hicks poured in 15 for his second straight double-figure game. All of Hicks' markers came in the second half. Sophomore guard Jordan Walker also got to double-digits with 10.
 
Freshman forward James Baker posted career highs of 10 points and seven rebounds.
 
"James fought and did the best he could with their big guys," said Spradlin. "I am proud of him. He will be a terrific player."
 
The game was marred by 62 fouls as both teams combined to shoot 75 free throws. Four players fouled out for Morehead State.
 
"You have to commend our young guys who came in and fought when we were in foul trouble. It was tough not to have two of our post players on the bench with five fouls," said Spradlin. "We'll learn how to play through contact and post the ball better in case we see this team again."
 
Austin Peay finished with a 57 percent shooting accuracy, while the Eagles concluded at 38 percent. Terry Taylor led all players with 23, while Dayton Gumm put in 21 for the home squad.
 
Morehead State returns home now on Thursday to face Tennessee State. Tip-of is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.