CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Austin Peay State University basketball tips off its 96th season when it hosts Lane College at 7 p.m., Monday on Gary Mathews Court at F&M Bank Arena.
Monday's contest, and all APSU home and United Athletic Conference games, will be streamed live on ESPN+ with Barry Gresham and Ethan Schmidt on the call. Fans also can tune into the Governors Sports Network (104.1 FM / 540 AM) or via the TuneIn app to hear Brian Rives call all the action.
Austin Peay went 2-0 in the exhibition games with a 79-74 win against Evansville (Oct. 11) and a 96-94 win against IU Indy (Oct. 27). Zyree Collins scored 32 points in the win against the Jaguars last time out, while Rashaud Marshall had a 20-point, 14-rebound double-double in the preseason contest.
Austin Peay is 69-29 all-time in home openers and have won 10-straight home openers dating back to 2016 and is 3-0 in home openers at F&M Bank Arena, with an average margin of victory of 40.0 points per game. The Governors also are 57-38 all-time in season openers and has won seven of its last eight dating back to 2018.
UP NEXT
The Governors hit the road for the first time this season when they face Kennesaw State in a 6 p.m. (CT), Friday contest at VyStar Arena in Kennesaw, Georgia. Friday's game between the Govs and Owls will be streamed live on ESPN+ and broadcasted on the Governors Sports Network (104.1 FM / 540 AM).
NOTABLY
BIG SHAUD, BIG POY
Rashaud Marshall highlighted the inaugural United Athletic Conference Preseason awards, being tabbed the league's first-ever Preseason Player of the Year, Oct. 28. Marshall was a Second Team All-ASUN and ASUN All-Tournament selection last season after averaging 16.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game while shooting 65.6% from the field. The senior forward averaged 27.2 points per game across the Govs' final five games of the 2025-26 season.
ZYREE'S SECOND SEASON
A Preseason All-UAC selection Zyree Collins was the 2025-26 ASUN Freshman of the Year and a Third Team All-ASUN recipient last season. He averaged 13.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. Collins' 2.2 steals per game led all Division I freshmen and ranked 21st in the nation altogether. He is just the second freshman since 2022 to be named a Preseason All-Conference selection.
A RECORD OFFSEASON
Austin Peay head coach Corey Gipson announced the highest-ranked recruiting class in the history of the athletics department. Gipson's class featured a pair of transfers and a record eight freshman additions. The class ranked top 70 nationally. No team in the United Athletic Conference ranked in the top 150 by either metric. Gipson also signed the top three recruits in program history. Felipe Minzer was tabbed the #141 recruit by Rivals, the highest ranking of any incoming freshman in program history. Bradley Floyd was ranked #188 nationally by 247Sports – the highest-rated recruit by the organization – and a top 10 player in North Carolina by all metrics. Cam Ryans was the #1 recruit out of Michigan and ranked #231 by 247Sports.
PREVIEWING THE DRAGONS
LAST SEASON
Lane went 10-17 overall with a 10-14 record in Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play. The Dragons finished fifth in the SIAC's West Division and had their 2025-26 season come to an end in the opening round of the SIAC Championship following a 59-52 loss at Benedict.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Lane returns seven players from last season, but lost their top four scorers. The Dragons' top-returning scorer, Xavier Bell, averaged 8.3 points and 2.7 rebounds per game last season and was the only player to appear in all 27 contests where he made 13 starts in the front court. The Dragons also lost their top three leader in rebounds from a season ago with Paul Pullins' 4.1 boards per game leading the returning group.
GET YOUR SEASON TICKETS TODAY
The average price of a season ticket in bowl seating (Sections 101-120) has decreased by an average of 58% compared to the 2025-26 season. Fans can renew their season tickets online through their Ticketmaster Account Manager, while those wanting to purchase new season tickets, courtside seats, or White Claw Lounge access can do so by calling the Austin Peay Ticket Office at 931-221-PEAY(7329). Season tickets, which include both men's and women's basketball games, start at $100, or less than $5 per game. Fans also can purchase a $250 sideline season-ticket option, which comes out to under $10 per game.
FOLLOW THE GOVS ON SOCIALS
For news and updates throughout the 2026-27 season, follow the Govs on X and Instagram (@GovsMBB) or check back at LetsGoPeay.com. Also, make sure to download the new Let's Go Peay app in the Apple of Google Play Store today to stay connected with all things around Austin Peay Athletics.
