Austin Peay Claims First ASUN Championship with Victory Over Jacksonville
CLARKSVILLE, TN – The Austin Peay State University men’s basketball team secured a share of the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) regular season championship with a hard-fought 65-61 victory over Jacksonville on Saturday, February 21, 2026. This marks the Governors’ first regular season conference title since joining the ASUN and their first overall since 2008.
The win moved Austin Peay to 15-1 in conference play, with two games remaining in the regular season. A Central Arkansas loss to Florida Gulf Coast on Saturday paved the way for the Governors to clinch at least a share of the title.
A Back-and-Forth Contest
The game mirrored the first meeting between Austin Peay and Jacksonville earlier in January, which the Governors won 71-68. Saturday’s contest was characterized by tough defense from both sides and a reliance on scoring in the paint.
Jacksonville started strong, building an early 6-0 lead. However, a three-pointer from Anton Brookshire sparked Austin Peay’s offense, and the first half became a closely contested affair. Neither team found much success from beyond the arc, with most points coming from close range. Rashaud Marshall’s late layups gave the Governors a 33-28 lead at halftime.
Governors Hold On for the Win
The second half continued the trend of physical play and limited three-point shooting. Marshall led all scorers with 26 points and seven rebounds. Austin Peay faced foul trouble in the second half, with both Marshall and Tate McCubbin fouling out, forcing other starters to play extended minutes. Zyree Collins and Collin Parker each played 37 minutes, while Brookshire played the entire 40 minutes.
Austin Peay extended its lead to as many as 12 points, but Jacksonville refused to go away, tying the game with under four minutes remaining. Clutch plays from Parker and Ja’Corey Robinson helped the Governors secure the 65-61 victory.
What’s Next for Austin Peay?
Austin Peay has the opportunity to clinch the outright ASUN regular season championship on Wednesday when they host Central Arkansas. A win on Wednesday would also secure the Governors’ fifth-ever undefeated home record.
Game Statistics
Austin Peay 65, Jacksonville 61
Austin Peay Leaders:
- Rashaud Marshall: 26 points, 7 rebounds
- Collin Parker: 6 assists
Jacksonville Leaders:
- (Statistics not available in provided sources)
ASUN Conference Standings (February 22, 2026)
- Austin Peay: 15-1 (21-6 overall)
- Central Arkansas: 13-3 (18-11 overall)
- Queens University: 12-4 (17-12 overall)
- Lipscomb: 11-5 (18-11 overall)
- Florida Gulf Coast: 8-8 (14-15 overall)
- Eastern Kentucky: 7-9 (11-18 overall)
- West Georgia: 6-10 (12-16 overall)
- Bellarmine: 6-10 (11-17 overall)
- Stetson: 6-10 (10-19 overall)
- Jacksonville: 5-11 (10-19 overall)
- North Florida: 4-12 (16-23 overall)
- North Alabama: 3-13 (12-19 overall)
Source: Jacksonville University Athletics