Channels scores 24, helps Austin Peay move into 3rd place with 80-76 win over E. Kentucky

Austin Peay beats Eastern Kentucky 80-76

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — Wes Channels scored 24 points, pulling Austin Peay into a tie for third place in the Ohio Valley Conference with an 80-76 win over Eastern Kentucky on Thursday night.

Anthony Campbell added 19 points, Justin Blake had 13 points and John Fraley pulled down 14 rebounds for the Governors (12-10, 6-4).

The Governors avenged a 76-71 loss at Eastern Kentucky on Jan. 4, and are tied with the Colonels in the third slot in the OVC standings.

Austin Peay trailed most of the first half and the Colonels increased their lead to 25-23 with 5:34 before halftime on Joshua Jones’ 3-pointer. But the Governors went on a 13-5 run, capped by a Channels’ 3-pointer, to take a six-point halftime lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

The Colonels went on a 6-3 run in the last 37 seconds, but it wasn’t enough.

Justin Stommes scored 20 points to lead the Colonels (14-8, 6-4).