LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Austin Peay used overwhelming pressure defense to fuel a 67-39 win over the Bellarmine University women's basketball team Thursday in Atlantic Sun Conference play in Knights Hall.

Austin Peay (11-4, 3-2 ASUN) fully capitalized on Bellarmine's dire injury situation with relentless and opportunistic full-court pressure. The Governors had 20 points off turnovers in the first half and finished with 29. Between baskets frequently off takeaways and six 3-pointers over the first two quarters, 36 of APSU's 44 first-half points were either in the paint or from beyond the arc.

Ava Smith registered a career-high 16 points for Bellarmine (2-16, 0-5). The sophomore guard matched a career best with four 3-pointers made, the third time this season she's reached that tally. Senior center Patricia Sherrill pulled down seven rebounds for Bellarmine.

After recently joining the team, Mariah Daniels appeared in her first college game, and the freshman guard nailed her first shot, a long jumper from the corner.

Austin Peay's Jade Rucker equaled Bellarmine's Smith for the game high with 16 points. The Governors amassed 17 assists on their 25 field goals and came up with 16 steals.

Bellarmine will host Eastern Kentucky at 2 p.m. (ET) Saturday.

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