Eastern’s men’s basketball team could not find a way to stop Austin Peay’s TyShawn Edmundson, and lost its third consecutive Ohio Valley Conference game 76-64.

The senior guard had a game-high 24 points, including four three-point shots.

The Panthers matched the Governors in many ways, but ultimately turnovers and being unable to put a significant run together cost Eastern its fourth conference loss. Eastern now sits at 2-4 in the OVC, and 9-9 overall, while the red-hot Austin Peay has won five straight conference games and improved to 5-3 in the OVC, and 8-13 overall.

Head coach Mike Miller said there was not much disparity in the statistics, but the Panthers were unable to make a play when they needed it most.

“I think (Austin Peay) made more plays,” Miller said. “They were really physical and we didn’t handle that very well. We had some chances to make some plays and we were not able to.”

Despite the loss, Eastern got an encouraging performance from sophomore forward Alfonzo McKinnie. McKinnie had a game-high 14 rebounds and 15 points. Nine of his 14 rebounds were offensive.

The Panthers out rebounded the Governors 40-30 and grabbed 15 offensive rebounds.

McKinnie said he tries to be as active as possible.

“I just go out and play as hard as I can and help my team get a win,” McKinnie said.

Miller said he expects these kinds of performances from McKinnie.

“It’s phenomenal,” Miller said of McKinnie’s offensive rebounding. “We need (his rebounding), when you got a guy going after it and getting second chances it frees up other options.”

Another bit of good news for the Panthers was the play of red-shirt junior forward James Hollowell.

Hollowell has been inactive for most of the season with a back injury. In 12 minutes of action he scored eight points and grabbed four rebounds.

Hollowell said he is feeling good and he just needs to get into game shape.

The Governors got an 18 point performance out of Jerome Clyburn. 12 of his 18 points came from the free throw line as his foul shooting iced the game, and put the Panthers come back hopes to rest.

Austin Peay was picked as the favorite to win the OVC this season, but a slow start lowered those expectations. However, the team is starting to gather momentum.

The Panthers return to action Thursday when they go on the road to take on Jacksonville State. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Rob Mortell can be reached at 581-7944 or at [email protected].