CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — The Austin Peay Governors will look to continue their winning momentum while the North Florida Ospreys desperately seek to halt a lengthy skid when the ASUN Conference foes meet on New Year’s Day at the Winfield Dunn Center. Tipoff is set for Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in a men’s NCAA Division I basketball matchup. The Governors (6-5) enter on a two-game win streak, including a dominant 110-59 victory over non-Division I Fisk on Sunday. The Ospreys (2-11) have lost eight straight, most recently falling 90-82 to Columbia on the same day. The game features two of the conference’s top individual talents. Austin Peay is powered by forward Rashaud Marshall, who averaged 20.8 points over his last five games. He was highly efficient in the win over Fisk, scoring 24 points on 9-of-11 shooting with six rebounds and two blocks in just 21 minutes. North Florida’s hopes rest largely with guard Kamrin Oriol, who has been a bright spot during the team’s struggles. He is averaging 21 points per game over his last five contests, including a 29-point performance at Miami (Fla.) and 24 points with five assists against Columbia. Support from Kent Jackson (18 points vs. Columbia) and Dalton Gayman (16 points) will be crucial. The Governors have shown resilience at home, boasting a 4-1 record in Clarksville this season with the lone loss a narrow 76-75 win for East Tennessee State. Their defense, which held three of its last five opponents under 77 points, will aim to contain Oriol’s scoring barrage. Conversely, North Florida’s losing streak has been defined by defensive woes, allowing an average of 98.5 points over its last four games against Division I competition. Slowing down Marshall and an Austin Peay offense that scored 110 points in its last outing presents a significant challenge. This contest opens ASUN play for both teams. Austin Peay will aim to protect its home court and build on its winning record, while North Florida sees the conference schedule as a chance to reset a season that has been derailed by a difficult non-conference slate. After Thursday, Austin Peay hosts Jacksonville on Saturday, Jan. 3. North Florida travels to face Lipscomb on the same day.