Austin Peay Women's Basketball Falls to West Georgia, 95-74

Anovia Sheals scores 23 points but Governors can't overcome Wolves' hot shooting

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Austin Peay State University women's basketball team fell 95-74 to Atlantic Sun Conference opponent West Georgia on Saturday at F&M Bank Arena. Anovia Sheals led the Governors with 23 points, but the team struggled with foul trouble and couldn't keep up with West Georgia's hot shooting, which included four straight three-pointers in the first quarter to take the lead.

Why it matters

The loss drops Austin Peay's record to 14-10 overall and 6-8 in ASUN conference play, making it more difficult for the Governors to earn a high seed in the upcoming conference tournament. West Georgia, meanwhile, improves to 15-9 overall as they continue their push for a top spot in the ASUN standings.

The details

After the game was tied at 8 early, Austin Peay built a 14-8 lead with baskets from Sheals, JaNiah Newell and Jim'Miyah Branton. But West Georgia responded with four straight three-pointers to take a 24-20 lead by the end of the first quarter. The Governors cut the deficit to two points in the second quarter, but the Wolves ended the half on an 8-3 run to lead 49-35 at the break. West Georgia continued to pull away in the second half, leading by as many as 23 points in the third quarter before Austin Peay made a late push to get within 15 points.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
  • Austin Peay and West Georgia exchanged shots early, with the game tied at 8 four minutes into the first quarter.
  • West Georgia ended the first quarter on a 16-6 run to lead 24-20.
  • West Georgia led 49-35 at halftime.
  • West Georgia led by as many as 23 points in the third quarter before Austin Peay made a late push.

The players

Anovia Sheals

The leading scorer for Austin Peay, finishing with 23 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists.

JaNiah Newell

An Austin Peay player who scored a jumper to tie the game at 8 early in the first quarter.

Jim'Miyah Branton

An Austin Peay player who scored consecutive layups to help the Governors build an early lead.

Sydne Tolbert

A West Georgia player who hit a three-pointer to end the first quarter and another three-pointer in the third quarter.

Kyra Perkins

An Austin Peay player who hit a three-pointer to cut the deficit to 15 points late in the game.

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The takeaway

This loss makes it more difficult for Austin Peay to earn a high seed in the upcoming ASUN conference tournament, as they now sit at 6-8 in league play. The Governors will need to regroup quickly as they prepare to face another conference opponent, Central Arkansas, on the road next Wednesday.