West Virginia Wins Predictably, Defeats Austin Peay 84-53

The Austin Peay Governors brought their 4-4 record and their shooting shirts that said “Let’s Go Peay” (yes, really) to the Coliseum on Thursday night. What appeared on paper to be a mismatch, played out exactly as expected on the floor.

The Governors stayed close to start the game until an Emmitt Matthews three-pointer capped a 7-0 run with 3:57 left to give the Mountaineers a sixteen-point advantage. Along with a sixteen point lead WVU also held a 20-9 rebounding advantage at the under four minute timeout.

West Virginia would enter the locker room with a 38-21 lead.

Emmitt Matthews led all scorers with 13 first-half points. Sean McNeil added a seven-point spark off the bench in the first half.

The second half was no easier for the Governors. The Mountaineers were able to get out and run in the second half, capitalizing on several transition opportunities.

The final score from Morgantown was WVU 85, Austin Peay 53.

Defensively West Virginia was able to hold Austin Peay to 34% shooting form the field and dominate on the glass with a 37-24 advantage on the glass including 12 offensive rebounds.

Matthews and Oscar Tshiebwe both notched double-doubles for the Mountaineers. Matthews finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds while Tshiebwe added 14 points and 10 rebounds.

West Virginia returns to action Saturday at 2pm against Nicholls (State).