Austin Peay Edges Jacksonville in Close Contest
Saturday, January 3, 2026, 5:00 PM ET · F&M Bank Arena
Austin Peay Governors 71, Jacksonville Dolphins 68, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Jacksonville Dolphins vs Austin Peay Governors?
Austin Peay Governors beat Jacksonville Dolphins 71-68 at F&M Bank Arena on January 3, 2026.
Who was favored in Jacksonville Dolphins vs Austin Peay Governors?
Austin Peay Governors were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -675 (about 87% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Austin Peay Governors secured a narrow victory over the Jacksonville Dolphins with a final score of 71-68 at the F&M Bank Arena. This game was particularly significant as it marked the first meeting between these teams in the current season, with Austin Peay aiming to improve upon their previous record against Jacksonville, which stood at 0-1 following a loss last season.
Austin Peay entered the game with a home record of 8-5, showing a solid performance on their home court with a record of 4-0 in their last four home games. They had recently achieved a two-game winning streak, having won their previous match against the North Florida Ospreys 102-83 and the Fisk Bulldogs 110-59. Over their last ten games, the Governors posted a record of 5-4-1, averaging 70.8 points scored while allowing 65.4 points per game. Their last five games showcased an even more impressive defensive effort, with an average of 67.6 points scored and only 56.0 points allowed.
On the other hand, Jacksonville struggled throughout the season, holding a record of 5-10 overall and a disappointing 1-6 in away games. They came into this matchup on a four-game losing streak, having lost their last game against the Lipscomb Bisons 57-76. In their last ten games, the Dolphins recorded a 3-7 record, averaging 71.1 points scored but allowing a concerning 77.7 points per game. Their recent form has been troubling, as they averaged 76.4 points scored and 79.2 points allowed over their last five games.
The odds provided by DraftKings favored Austin Peay, who were listed as 10.5-point favorites with a moneyline of -675. Jacksonville, conversely, had a moneyline of +490. The total for the game was set at 140.5, with the over priced at -112 and the under at -108, indicating expectations for a moderately high-scoring game.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any key players missing from either team, suggesting that both squads were at full strength for this crucial matchup. The conditions in the arena were typical for a January evening, likely contributing to a competitive atmosphere as both teams vied for a much-needed win.
As the game unfolded, it was clear that both teams were eager to establish their presence early. Austin Peay's ability to maintain their home court advantage played a crucial role, particularly in the second half. Key moments included a critical three-point jumper from Jaylen Jones, which brought the score to 67-63 in favor of Austin Peay. The Governors managed to hold off several late charges from Jacksonville, including a layup from Donovan Rivers that narrowed the gap to 67-65.
In the closing moments, free throws became pivotal, with Rashaud Marshall and Anton Brookshire contributing to the scoreboard to secure the victory for Austin Peay. The final sequence saw Austin Peay converting crucial free throws that ultimately sealed the game at 71-68.
This game not only showcased the resilience of Austin Peay but also highlighted the challenges facing Jacksonville as they continue to seek consistency in their performance. The victory for Austin Peay reinforces their competitive position within the league, while Jacksonville will need to regroup and address their defensive shortcomings moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | APSU -10.5 | 140.5 o -112 / u -108 | Jacksonville Dolphins +490 · Austin Peay Governors -675 |
Leaders
- PointsZyree Collins23Austin Peay Governors
- AssistsCollin Parker3Austin Peay Governors
- ReboundsTate McCubbin7Austin Peay Governors
- PointsJaylen Jones16Jacksonville Dolphins
- AssistsEvan Sterck8Jacksonville Dolphins
- ReboundsJason Thirdkill Jr.10Jacksonville Dolphins
Recent form
Austin Peay Governors
Last 10: 5-4-1Streak W270.8 scored · 65.4 allowed per game4-0 at home
- W102-83vs North Florida OspreysJan 2
- W110-59vs Fisk BulldogsDec 28
- D0-0at Kansas City RoosDec 21
- W76-75vs East Tennessee State BuccaneersDec 13
- L50-63at UT Rio Grande Valley VaquerosDec 7
- L84-96at Kent State Golden FlashesDec 4
- W77-59vs Northern Illinois HuskiesNov 26
- L75-84at Tulsa Golden HurricaneNov 22
- L65-72at Ole Miss RebelsNov 19
- W69-63at UNC Greensboro SpartansNov 15
Jacksonville Dolphins
Last 10: 3-7Streak L471.1 scored · 77.7 allowed per game1-6 away
- L57-76at Lipscomb BisonsJan 1
- L63-87at Florida State SeminolesDec 23
- L65-72at Florida A&M RattlersDec 18
- L75-112at Texas A&M AggiesDec 15
- W122-49vs Trinity College of Jacksonville EaglesDec 12
- L65-88at Florida International PanthersDec 6
- W85-82vs Florida A&M RattlersDec 3
- L53-68vs Pacific TigersNov 25
- W69-64at Bethune-Cookman WildcatsNov 24
- L57-79at George Mason PatriotsNov 19
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Peay | 22-9 | +1 | 15-3 |
| Central Arkansas | 22-12 | +1 | 15-3 |
| Queens University | 21-14 | 2 | 13-5 |
| Lipscomb | 19-13 | 3 | 12-6 |
| Florida Gulf Coast | 16-18 | 7 | 8-10 |
| West Georgia | 15-17 | 6 | 8-10 |
| Bellarmine | 13-19 | 8 | 7-11 |
| Jacksonville | 12-20 | 8 | 7-11 |
| Stetson | 12-21 | 8 | 7-11 |
| Eastern Kentucky | 11-21 | 7 | 7-11 |
| North Florida | 7-25 | 10 | 5-13 |
| North Alabama | 9-21 | 10 | 4-14 |
| Utah Valley | 25-9 | - | 14-4 |
| California Baptist | 25-9 | 1 | 13-5 |
| Utah Tech | 19-15 | 2 | 11-7 |
| UT Arlington | 18-14 | 5 | 9-9 |
| Southern Utah | 10-22 | 7 | 6-12 |
| Tarleton State | 14-18 | 9 | 5-13 |
| Abilene Christian | 14-19 | 9 | 5-13 |
Box score
| Stat | Jacksonville Dolphins | Austin Peay Governors |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-51 | 24-60 |
| Field goal % | 47 | 40 |
| Three-pointers | 9-21 | 6-20 |
| Three-point % | 43 | 30 |
| Free throws | 11-20 | 17-22 |
| Free throw % | 55 | 77 |
| Rebounds | 40 | 31 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 31 | 22 |
| Assists | 17 | 10 |
| Steals | 6 | 12 |
| Blocks | 5 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 34 |
| Fouls | 15 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 11 |
| Lead changes | 8 | 8 |
| Time in front | 22 | 65 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half31-41Donovan Rivers makes free throw 1 of 2
- 1st Half32-41Donovan Rivers makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half35-41Hayden Wood makes 24-foot three point jumper (Evan Sterck assists)
- 1st Half35-43Zyree Collins makes 13-foot floating jump shot
- 1st Half38-43Hayden Wood makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jaylen Jones assists)
- 2nd Half38-44Rashaud Marshall makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half40-44Donovan Rivers makes layup (Evan Sterck assists)
- 2nd Half42-44Donovan Rivers makes 3-foot dunk (Chris Arias assists)
- 2nd Half44-44Jaylen Jones makes layup (Chris Arias assists)
- 2nd Half44-45Zyree Collins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-46Zyree Collins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-46Charles Caporaso makes 5-foot turnaround jump shot (Jason Thirdkill Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half49-46Jason Thirdkill Jr. makes 25-foot three point jumper (Evan Sterck assists)
- 2nd Half49-48Collin Parker makes layup
- 2nd Half52-48Chris Lockett Jr. makes 22-foot three point jumper (Evan Sterck assists)
- 2nd Half52-51Zyree Collins makes 22-foot three point jumper (Ja'Corey Robinson assists)
- 2nd Half53-51Jaylen Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-51Jaylen Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-51Jaylen Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-53Rashaud Marshall makes layup (Anton Brookshire assists)
- 2nd Half55-55Anton Brookshire makes 6-foot jumper
- 2nd Half55-56Rashaud Marshall makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-57Rashaud Marshall makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-57Evan Sterck makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jaylen Jones assists)
- 2nd Half60-57Jaylen Jones makes 19-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half60-58Collin Parker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-59Collin Parker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-61Zyree Collins makes layup
- 2nd Half60-63Zyree Collins makes layup
- 2nd Half60-64Zyree Collins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-65Zyree Collins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-67Zyree Collins makes layup
- 2nd Half63-67Jaylen Jones makes 23-foot three point jumper (Evan Sterck assists)
- 2nd Half65-67Donovan Rivers makes layup
- 2nd Half65-68Rashaud Marshall makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-69Rashaud Marshall makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-69Donovan Rivers makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-69Jaylen Jones makes layup
- 2nd Half68-70Anton Brookshire makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-71Anton Brookshire makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Austin Peay Governors, below favours Jacksonville Dolphins.
Venue
- F&M Bank ArenaClarksville, TN
- Attendance1821
- OfficialsCraig Murley, Kevin Driver, Kevin Chambliss
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- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond
Picks for NCAAB
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- Austin Peay Edges Jacksonville in Close ContestFeb 21, 2026