Austin Peay State University Women's Basketball Falls 67-63 at Central Arkansas

Anovia Sheals records double-double but Governors come up short against Sugar Bears

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Austin Peay State University (APSU) women's basketball team fell 67-63 to Central Arkansas on the road, despite a 23-point, 10-rebound double-double performance from sophomore Anovia Sheals. The Sugar Bears built an early lead and held off a late Governors comeback attempt in the ASUN Conference matchup.

Why it matters

This loss drops the APSU Governors to 14-11 overall and 6-9 in ASUN play, making their path to the conference tournament more difficult. Central Arkansas, meanwhile, improves to 17-10 and 10-5 in the ASUN, solidifying their position in the middle of the league standings.

The details

Central Arkansas jumped out to a 12-8 lead in the first quarter and closed the period on a 7-0 run to go up 19-11. The Sugar Bears extended their advantage to as many as 13 points in the third quarter before the Governors mounted a comeback, cutting the deficit to as little as four points in the fourth. However, APSU was hampered by foul trouble, committing 24 fouls compared to just 14 for Central Arkansas, which allowed the home team to attempt 14 free throws.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 in Conway, Arkansas.

The players

Anovia Sheals

A sophomore on the Austin Peay State University women's basketball team who recorded a 23-point, 10-rebound double-double in the loss.

Mya Williams

A player for the APSU Governors who made three 3-pointers in the game.

Jade Rucker

A player for the APSU Governors who made three 3-pointers and helped lead the team's late comeback attempt.

Jim'Miyah Branton

A player for the APSU Governors who matched her career-high with 8 assists in the game.

Central Arkansas

The home team, also known as the Sugar Bears, who improved to 17-10 overall and 10-5 in ASUN play with the win.

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What they’re saying

“Anovia Sheals had a 23-point, 10-rebound double-double, but the Austin Peay State University (APSU) women's basketball team fell 67-63 at Central Arkansas, Wednesday, at the Farris Center.”

— News Staff (clarksvilleonline.com)

What’s next

The Austin Peay State University women's basketball team will host Bellarmine for a 2:00pm Saturday matchup at F&M Bank Arena as they look to bounce back from this road loss.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the challenges the APSU Governors face as they try to secure a spot in the ASUN Conference tournament, with foul trouble and a strong performance from the Central Arkansas Sugar Bears proving to be the difference in the end.