Redhawks Surge Ahead in Thrilling Showdown Against Cougars

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – SIUE trailed throughout and Southeast Missouri made a late push to secure an 80-64 victory in Ohio Valley Conference basketball on Saturday at the Show Me Center.

The Cougars now stand at 0-2 in OVC competition and 7-6 overall. SEMO has improved to 6-6 overall and 2-0 in OVC play.

The Redhawks held an eight-point advantage (45-37) at halftime following a fast-paced first half. SIUE achieved a shooting percentage of 47 in the period, while SEMO attained a consistent 50 percent.

The Cougars narrowed the deficit to four points on two occasions early in the second half but could never get any closer as SEMO embarked on a quick 7-0 run to extend the lead back to double digits (59-48) with 14:45 remaining.

A basket and a free throw from Myles Thompson pulled the Cougars back within four points (63-59) with 7:46 left. A steal by Ray’Sean Taylor granted SIUE possession, but a three-point attempt that could have reduced the gap to one fell short from beyond the arc.

The Redhawks took command with a 15-1 run over the following four minutes to lead 78-60 with 3:03 on the clock.

SIUE finished the game shooting 43 percent (23-54), including 6 for 22 (27 percent) from three-point territory. The Cougars were merely 1-10 from beyond the arc in the second half.

SEMO shot 48 percent (30-62) for the contest.

Coming into this matchup, the Cougars had the best rebounding margin in the OVC, yet Southeast Missouri dominated the boards 37-22. SIUE concluded the game without any offensive rebounds.

Ray’Sean Taylor led SIUE with 16 points. Brian Taylor II added 15 points.

BJ Ward topped the Redhawks with 18 points. Teddy Washington, Jr. and Brendan Terry each contributed 17 points.

SIUE will be off until January 2 when Western Illinois visits First Community Arena for a nationally broadcasted game on ESPNU. The tipoff is set for 8 p.m.