Lipscomb secured a hard-fought 82-78 victory over Austin Peay State at Allen Arena, thanks in large part to a well-rounded performance from Mateo Esmeraldo. The junior guard tallied 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists, showcasing his ability to make an impact in multiple facets of the game. Esmeraldo's efforts were complemented by a pair of 14-point outings from Grant Asman and Ethan Duncan, as Lipscomb's balanced attack proved too much for Austin Peay State to handle.
The visiting Governors got off to a strong start, taking a 42-40 lead into halftime. Rashaud Marshall was the catalyst for Austin Peay State, scoring 23 points and grabbing 6 rebounds on the night. However, Lipscomb adjusted its defense in the second half, limiting Marshall's opportunities and holding the Governors to just 36 points after the break. Meanwhile, the Bison offense found its rhythm, scoring 42 points in the final 20 minutes to seal the win.
Lipscomb's victory was not without its challenges, as Austin Peay State refused to back down. The Governors trimmed the deficit to just two points with under two minutes remaining, but Esmeraldo and company made the necessary plays to close out the game. Asman and Duncan each made crucial baskets late, and the Bison's defense held firm to secure the 82-78 triumph.
This non-conference matchup had real consequences for both teams' resumes. As a Quadrant 3 game for both Lipscomb and Austin Peay State, the outcome will factor into their respective NCAA Tournament profiles. With the win, Lipscomb improves to 14-7 on the season, while Austin Peay State falls to 13-6. The Bison's victory will likely have a positive impact on their NET ranking, which currently sits at 152.
For Lipscomb, this win serves as a valuable addition to its tournament resume. The Bison have now notched a pair of Quadrant 3 victories, which will help bolster their case for an at-large bid should they fail to win their conference tournament. Meanwhile, Austin Peay State want to regroup and refocus on its conference schedule, as the Governors aim to secure a strong seed in the Ohio Valley Conference tournament. Despite the loss, Austin Peay State's NET ranking of 153 remains respectable, and the Governors will have opportunities to enhance their resume in the coming weeks.
Ultimately, Lipscomb's 82-78 win over Austin Peay State demonstrates the Bison's ability to perform under pressure and against quality opponents. With the victory, Lipscomb takes a significant step forward in its pursuit of a postseason berth, while Austin Peay State want to learn from its mistakes and come back stronger in its next outing.