CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (March 7, 2024) – A promising run for the University of North Alabama men's basketball team ended in Clarksville, Tenn. on Thursday, as the Lions were eliminated by Austin Peay in the Atlantic Sun Conference Semifinal by a 77-71 final at F&M Bank Arena.

The Govs will advance to the ASUN Championship Final against Stetson on Sunday, March 10 with a trip to the NCAA Tournament on the line. Meanwhile, the Lions end their run in the semifinal round.

The game had 24 lead changes and went back-and-forth most of the way, as UNA led 44-42 at the break. Neither team led by more than five until Austin Peay went on a spurt midway through the second half. Despite a late nine-point lead, the Govs went over eight minutes without a field goal to end the game, relying on free throws to win it.

For North Alabama, it was a total team effort with eight players making the scorebook and three finishing in double figures. Senior forward Damian Forrest shined for UNA with 19 points and nine rebounds. He finishes the tournament with 30 points and 19 rebounds over two games.

Sophomore guard Jacari Lane finished with 17 points, including a 7-7 showing at the line. He also added five assists. Tuesday's hero KJ Johnson finished with another 11 point performance.

Austin Peay's scoring was not as balanced, as the majoring of scoring came from Dezi Jones with 34 points on 13-23 shooting from the field.

UNA wraps up the tournament with a 15-17 overall record, winning its first tournament game since 2021 on Tuesday with a thrilling 77-75 win over Lipscomb in Nashville.

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