Austin Peay Women's Basketball Loses Heartbreaker to Jacksonville

Governors fall 70-68 on buzzer-beater at F&M Bank Arena

Jan. 31, 2026 at 6:23pm

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The Austin Peay State University women's basketball team lost a close 70-68 decision to Jacksonville on a last-second shot at F&M Bank Arena on Saturday. Led by Jim'Miyah Branton's 15 points, the Governors battled back from an early deficit but ultimately came up short against the Dolphins.

Why it matters

This was a tough loss for the Governors, who had been playing well this season and were looking to pick up a key conference win at home. The close nature of the game and the dramatic finish will surely disappoint fans, but the team will look to bounce back in their next game.

The details

Austin Peay led for much of the game, including a 43-38 advantage at halftime. The Governors were able to extend their lead to as many as 8 points in the second half, but Jacksonville fought back to tie the game at 66 late. A pair of free throws gave the Dolphins a 2-point lead with 13 seconds left, but Branton scored a layup to tie it with 2 seconds remaining. However, Tatum Brown hit a buzzer-beating jumper to give Jacksonville the 70-68 victory.

  • The game was played on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville, Tennessee.
  • Jacksonville started the game quickly, going up 11-4 just 2 minutes in.
  • The Governors led 43-38 at halftime.
  • Austin Peay led by as many as 8 points in the second half.
  • The game was tied 66-66 with under a minute remaining.

The players

Jim'Miyah Branton

A key player for the Austin Peay Governors, Branton led the team with 15 points in the game.

Tatum Brown

The Jacksonville Dolphins player who hit the game-winning buzzer-beater shot to give her team the 70-68 victory.

Austin Peay State University

The home team, the Austin Peay Governors, who were looking to pick up an important conference win on their home court.

Jacksonville

The visiting team, the Jacksonville Dolphins, who were able to rally late and pull out the close victory.

F&M Bank Arena

The venue where the game was played, located in Clarksville, Tennessee.

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What they’re saying

“This was a tough loss, but we'll learn from it and come back stronger in our next game.”

— Jim'Miyah Branton, Austin Peay Player

What’s next

The Austin Peay women's basketball team will look to bounce back when they travel to Florence, Alabama to take on North Alabama on February 4th.

The takeaway

This close loss to a conference rival shows the Governors are capable of competing with the best teams in the ASUN, but they'll need to find a way to finish games in the final minutes if they want to make a push for the postseason.