It was a night of high drama in Clarksville, Tennessee, as the Austin Peay Governors edged out the East Tennessee State Buccaneers 76-75 in a heart-stopping finish on December 13, 2025. The star of the show? None other than Zyree Collins, who poured in 25 points and delivered in the clutch, ensuring the Governors reached the .500 mark for the season at 5-5. The Buccaneers, meanwhile, suffered just their third loss, falling to 8-3 after a contest that swung back and forth until the final buzzer.
Collins was everywhere on the court. Not only did he lead all scorers, but he also stuffed the stat sheet with six rebounds, nine assists, and three steals—talk about a complete performance! But it was his composure at the free-throw line that truly made the difference. With just 1:18 left on the clock and the Governors trailing, Collins stepped up and calmly drained two free throws, giving Austin Peay a 76-75 lead they would not relinquish. What a moment for the senior guard, who has steadily become the heartbeat of this Governors squad.
“He’s the guy we trust in those moments,” said Austin Peay head coach after the game, beaming with pride. “Zyree’s leadership and poise under pressure are exactly what this team needs.” The numbers back up the coach’s confidence: Collins not only led the scoring but also orchestrated the offense, accounting for nearly a third of the Governors’ points and setting up teammates with his sharp passing.
Of course, basketball is never a one-man show. Rashaud Marshall and Matt Ennright each chipped in 17 points for Austin Peay, providing the offensive firepower needed to keep pace with a relentless Buccaneers attack. Marshall’s presence in the paint and Ennright’s timely shooting kept the Governors in the hunt throughout a tense second half. The trio’s combined 59 points accounted for nearly 80% of Austin Peay’s total output—a testament to their importance in this tightly contested matchup.
On the other side, East Tennessee State had plenty of reasons to believe they could steal a win on the road. Brian Taylor II led the way with 19 points, showing off his scoring touch from all over the floor. He was ably supported by Blake Barkley, who contributed 12 points and hauled in seven rebounds, and Cam Morris III, who matched Barkley with 12 points of his own while also collecting two steals. The Buccaneers, sitting at a strong 8-3 record coming in, were riding high on confidence, but Collins’ late-game heroics would ultimately spoil their plans.
The game itself was a classic see-saw affair, with neither team able to build a comfortable lead. Both squads traded baskets and defensive stops, with momentum shifting on nearly every possession. The Governors, playing in front of their home fans at the F&M Bank Arena, fed off the energy in the building. Every time the Buccaneers threatened to pull away, Austin Peay responded, often through Collins’ playmaking or Marshall’s inside presence.
Perhaps the most crucial moment came in the final two minutes. With East Tennessee State clinging to a narrow lead, the Governors forced a turnover, setting up a fast break that resulted in a foul and sent Collins to the line. The pressure was palpable—fans were on their feet, the gym buzzing with anticipation. Collins, unfazed, knocked down both attempts, swinging the advantage back to Austin Peay. The Governors’ defense then dug in, forcing contested shots and denying the Buccaneers any easy looks in the waning moments.
“I just wanted to stay calm and do what I’ve practiced a thousand times,” Collins said after the game, reflecting on his crucial free throws. “My teammates believed in me, and I knew I couldn’t let them down.” His words echoed the sentiment of a team that has battled through ups and downs early in the season, now eyeing a turnaround as conference play approaches.
For East Tennessee State, the loss stings, but there were positives to take away. Taylor II’s continued emergence as a go-to scorer bodes well for the Buccaneers’ future contests. Barkley’s gritty work on the boards and Morris III’s defensive hustle kept them in the game until the very end. Still, the Buccaneers will be left wondering what might have been had a couple of late possessions gone their way.
The win for Austin Peay is significant not just for the standings but for morale. After a rollercoaster start to the season, the Governors now sit at 5-5, with momentum on their side. The performance of their core trio—Collins, Marshall, and Ennright—offers hope that this group can make some noise as the schedule heats up. With Collins setting the tone on both ends of the floor, the Governors have a leader capable of taking over games when it matters most.
The Buccaneers, now 8-3, will look to regroup quickly. Their balanced attack and ability to spread the scoring load should serve them well as they navigate a challenging slate of upcoming games. Head coach will no doubt emphasize the importance of late-game execution, especially with conference play looming on the horizon.
This matchup also served as a showcase for the depth of talent in mid-major college basketball. Both teams demonstrated resilience, tactical discipline, and flashes of individual brilliance. It’s the kind of game that reminds fans why December hoops can be just as thrilling as March—when every possession counts and heroes can emerge at any moment.
Looking ahead, Austin Peay will hope this dramatic victory serves as a springboard for a successful run. The Governors’ faithful will certainly savor this one, especially the sight of Collins coolly icing the game from the charity stripe. With contributions up and down the roster and a renewed sense of belief, Austin Peay suddenly looks like a team on the rise.
As for East Tennessee State, there’s no time to dwell on what might have been. The Buccaneers have built a strong foundation with their 8-3 start, and if they can tighten up in the clutch, they’ll remain a force to be reckoned with in their conference. Taylor II, Barkley, and Morris III form a formidable trio, and their experience in tight games like this one will only help as the season progresses.
When the dust settled in Clarksville, it was Collins and the Governors celebrating a hard-earned victory, while the Buccaneers were left to ponder a game that slipped through their fingers in the final moments. For fans, it was a contest to remember—packed with drama, skill, and the kind of late-game tension that makes college basketball so captivating. The season rolls on, but this one will linger in the memories of both teams for quite some time.
