Jacksonville University’s men’s basketball team faced Austin Peay, the leading team in the ASUN conference, in a closely contested game that ended with a 65-61 loss for the Dolphins. The result brings Jacksonville’s record to 10-19 overall and 5-11 in conference play. The Dolphins have now lost two consecutive games with two regular season matchups remaining.
Freshman guard Hayden Wood was the standout performer for Jacksonville, scoring 22 points as the only Dolphin to reach double figures. This marked his fifth game this season with at least 20 points, and his second straight leading effort for his team.
Wood finished behind Austin Peay’s Rashaud Marshall, who scored a game-high 26 points. Jaylen Jones and Donovan Rivers contributed eight points each for Jacksonville. Jones also led all players with nine rebounds, matching his collegiate best.
Jason Thirdkill Jr. collected six rebounds and led both teams with two blocked shots. Chris Lockett and Allen Udemadu added five rebounds apiece.
Jacksonville started strong, opening on a 6-0 run by making its first three shots inside. Both teams exchanged leads throughout the first half before Jacksonville trailed by five at halftime, down 33-28—its largest deficit of the opening period.
In the second half, Austin Peay extended its lead to twelve early on. With just under twelve minutes left and trailing 52-40, Jacksonville mounted a comeback sparked entirely by Wood, who scored ten consecutive points during a key run that narrowed the gap to four.
With less than four minutes remaining and after both Tate McCubbin and Marshall fouled out for Austin Peay, Udemadu converted an and-one play to tie the score at 59. However, Austin Peay regained control in the closing moments to secure a season sweep over Jacksonville.
Jacksonville limited Austin Peay’s offense more effectively than most teams this year; APSU’s halftime total of 33 was among their lowest of the season. Key players Collin Parker, Zyree Collins, and McCubbin were held below their typical scoring averages; Collins’ four points were his second-lowest output this year and his fewest in conference play.
Austin Peay had not previously finished any conference game with a point total in the sixties until this matchup.
Jacksonville will next face Stetson at home on Thursday, February 26 at 7 p.m., which will also be Senior Day for the program. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.
