Redhawks men snare first win

Relief was the operative word for the Southeast Missouri State men's basketball team following Saturday's game at the Show Me Center.

The Redhawks posted their initial win, crushing Hannibal-LaGrange 101-52.

"Some of the swelling went down from all the beatings and bruisings we've had," senior guard Anthony Allison said with a laugh.

An announced crowd of 1,607 saw the Redhawks improve to 1-10 as they tasted victory for the first time since Feb. 2 of last season.

Southeast had lost 18 straight, including the final eight contests of 2009-10.

Southeast senior Anthony Allison drives to the basket against Hannibal-LaGrange during Saturday's game at the Show Me Center. The Redhawks earned their first win of the season, a 101-52 victory. (Laura Simon)

"Not only the first win, but the way we did it," junior college transfer guard/forward Nate Schulte said. "We played really well and we played unselfishly."

Southeast was expected to have its way with the NAIA Trojans (4-9) from Hannibal, Mo. That's exactly what happened.

The Redhawks never were threatened, building a 14-2 advantage less than five minutes into the game.

Southeast led 53-23 at halftime, and the Redhawks went ahead by 54 points twice in the final period.

"We knew this was a game we were supposed to win, but it doesn't matter. Winning is precious," Southeast coach Dickey Nutt said. "It was good to see guys with smiles on their faces.

Southeast junior Nate Schulte puts up a shot against Hannibal-LaGrange during Saturday's game.

"Our guys needed a boost of confidence. We're glad to win. It takes a weight off our shoulders."

Plenty of Redhawks enjoyed either career-best or season-best performances.

Schulte had the first double-double of his Southeast career with 19 points and a career-high 15 rebounds. He made 4 of 7 3-pointers.

"It's nice," Schulte said of the double-double. "But the win is nicer."

Nutt came away most impressed with the rebounding of the 6-foot-5 Schulte, who has started the past five games.

"To get 15 rebounds at that position [small forward] is unusual," Nutt said. "I thought he played very well."

Sophomore guard Marland Smith felt plenty of relief after the game.

Smith had an impressive season last year, leading Southeast in scoring as one of the better freshmen in the Ohio Valley Conference. But he had been in a season-long shooting slump, making just 22.1 percent from the field and 18 percent from 3-point range (9 of 50).

Smith broke out Saturday, scoring a season-high 21 points on 8 of 14 shooting. He made 5 of 10 3-pointers while adding career highs of six assists and five steals.

"It was great to see Marland get going," Allison said. "We've been begging for that."

Said Smith: "I've been struggling. I was just glad to see some shots go down, get that confidence back."

Allison followed with 15 points, while junior forward Leon Powell had 12 points, five rebounds and three blocks, which tied his career high.

Junior walk-on forward Rae-Vonn Banks was Southeast's fifth double-figure scorer with a career-high 11 points. He added a season-high five rebounds.

"He's making huge improvements," Nutt said.

Juco transfer point guard Marcus Brister had a career-high eight assists against just one turnover.

Redshirt freshman point guard Lucas Nutt tied a season high with five assists against only one turnover.

"Our point guards played very well," coach Nutt said. "To have 13 assists and two turnovers is very good."

Juco transfer center Zach House had a career-high four blocks while tying his career high with nine points.

Juco transfer forward Waylon Jones matched his career high with three blocks.

And while his stat line wasn't noteworthy, senior forward Cameron Butler made his first start of the season while playing 13 minutes.

Butler missed seven straight games with foot problems before playing seven minutes at SIU.

"He's bringing us some toughness being back on the floor even though he's probably only about 50 or 60 percent," Nutt said.

Southeast shot a season-high 54.7 percent, including a season-high 52.2 percent from 3-point range (12 of 23).

The Redhawks also reached season highs for assists (22), steals (11), blocks (11) and rebound margin (plus 13) while having their second fewest turnovers (11).

Defensively, the Redhawks allowed a season-low 31.5 percent shooting.

"We got shots to go down, we got clicking," Allison said. "I think it will be a snowball effect."

The Redhawks will find out if Allison is correct when they resume OVC play Dec. 19 at Jacksonville State. Southeast is 0-2 in the league.