With time running out in the first half, Tim Smith beat his man off the dribble and catapulted himself down the lane. He flicked up one of his trademark running one-handers over three Austin Peay defenders, and the ball somehow found its way into the basket as time expired.
ETSU was up 55-23 over the Governors, and the basketball game was over. The only problem is that somebody forgot to tell Austin Peay. The Governors came out fast and furious in the second half, using an aggressive full court press to force 18 ETSU turnovers and inch their way back into the game.
Smith, who led the Bucs with 29 points and eight assists, said that the second half was a learning experience in playing through contact. “(The press) bothered us because they got a little bit physical,” Smith said. “There were a lot of calls that should have been made, but they weren’t called.”
Even though the Bucs struggled against the pressure, ETSU head coach Murry Bartow felt like the team was weathering the storm well early in the second half. “With 10 minutes to go, we’re still up 20, but all of a sudden it’s 10 then eight then six,” Bartow said. “Then you’re really playing not to lose.”
The Governors managed to get possession of the basketball in the final seconds down only 84-81. That’s when ETSU slammed the door, as Smith forced a turnover and James Anthony hit a free throw to finally put away Austin Peay 85-81.
“I’m just glad that there wasn’t any more time on the clock,” Bartow said. “The last 10 minutes weren’t a work of art, but we did win the game, and that’s what’s important.”
Anthony’s journey in The Zone continued as he scored 24 points and hit six three-pointers. He said that his recent suspension helped him refocus on his game, and it seems he’s brought the whole team with him.
“I got down about all the losing,” Anthony said. “I wasn’t keeping up with my game, shooting extra and stuff. I started working on my game, and it’s paid off.”
Bartow said that the difference in Anthony’s game lately is the confidence boost that comes from making a few shots. “He’s a major key to our team,” Bartow said. “The last three games, he’s played the way that we know James can play.
The Governors were led by Zac Schlader and Maurice Hampton, who scored 27 and 24 points, respectively.
Dillion Sneed had another big game inside with eight points and 11 rebounds in 26 minutes of play for the Bucs.
The Bucs will host their last home game tonight at 7 p.m. against UT-Chattanooga on senior night.
UTC handed the Bucs an embarrasing 93-59 loss at Chattanooga on Jan. 22.

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