Bellarmine University’s men’s basketball team suffered a challenging defeat in their Atlantic Sun opener against Austin Peay, with a final score of 84-68. Despite an impressive performance from Peter Suder, who accumulated 20 points, the Knights were unable to secure a victory.
Suder exhibited his skills by equalling a season-high of eight field goals, as well as securing a season-high of nine rebounds and providing three assists. His exceptional performance followed a strong showing in the nonconference finale at High Point, where he scored 18 points and contributed six assists. Ben Johnson also made a notable contribution with 12 points, building on his career-high 32 points from the previous game. Additionally, Garrett Tipton added 15 points to the scoreboard as the Knights’ other double-digit scorer.
Although Bellarmine managed to outshoot Austin Peay with a 44.8% field goal percentage compared to Austin Peay’s 41.5%, the opposing team secured the win by making 12 three-pointers compared to Bellarmine’s eight. Austin Peay also outscored the Knights at the free throw line, as well as outrebounded them.
Dezi Jones led the scoring for Austin Peay with 21 points, despite a 6-of-19 field goal conversion. Additionally, three other Austin Peay starters, Ja’Monta Black, Demarcus Sharp, and Isaac Haney, also reached double figures in scoring.
The Knights will have an opportunity for redemption as they face Austin Peay once again in the regular season finale in Clarksville, Tenn., on March 1. Bellarmine will also continue ASUN play with a game against Lipscomb at Freedom Hall on Saturday, with the tipoff scheduled for 4 p.m. ET and coverage on ESPN+. Tickets for the game are available through Ticketmaster.