Redhawks MBB prevails in feisty road game, stuns USI late

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — A big push down the stretch gave Southeast Missouri State men’s basketball its fifth consecutive victory Saturday night as it stunned Southern Indiana on the road, rallying to win 79-74 and ending an unruly push from the Screaming Eagles.

Though SEMO was far and away ranked higher within the league than USI, the Eagles came out the gate roaring and kept the Redhawks at bay for most of the first half, and even into the second half.

With SEMO leading 76-74 with 15 seconds left, USI’s Braxton Jones missed an open 3, got the rebound and then missed a layup right under the basket. Three free throws later and the Redhawks (15-10, 10-4 OVC) remained perfect since losing at Lindenwood Jan. 23.

It was a back-and-forth affair for most of the game as Southern Indiana led by six early on with SEMO taking the lead back inside the final minute of the first half on a Rob Martin jumper. Still, the hosts regained the advantage to lead 36-35 at halftime.

The Redhawks responded, led by Brendan Terry and Teddy Washington Jr., and finally pushed through with the five-point win to solidify their standing as the top team in the conference — a three-way tie as it stands with SIU Edwardsville and Little Rock. Southern Indiana (9-15, 4-10 OVC) remains in a tie for ninth place.

Terry and Washington Jr. each put up 17 points in the victory, with the sensational Indiana State transfer Martin adding another 15, while Braxton Stacker’s 16 added a major presence off the bench.

Washington Jr. continues to put up All-OVC level performances, and a seven-rebound, plus-12 night on the floor made him a can’t-miss talent as he helped will SEMO out of a slump and into an all-important road victory.

Hitting the final two free throws to make it a 5-point game in the final three seconds was the icing on the cake for Washington Jr. and the Redhawks.

For the Screaming Eagles, Damoni Harrison’s 25 points and Jayland Randall’s 23 made life gruesome for the Redhawks, as the duo combined for 48 of USI’s 74 points. Stephen Olowoniyi cooked up 14 points and 10 rebounds off the bench.

SEMO returns to the court at 7 p.m. Tuesday in Little Rock. The Redhawks enter the capital city of Arkansas with sights set on furthering their quest for first place. Last month, the Trojans gained a 73-71 victory at the Show Me Center.