Redhawks make final tuneup for Texas Tech

~ Southeast will conclude its exhibition schedule tonight against Christian Brothers.

Southeast Missouri State's women know better than to think a 50-point romp in their exhibition opener means they're ready for the season.

"We still have so much we have to get better at," senior forward Tatiana Conceicao said following an 87-37 victory over Southern Illinois-Edwardsville on Nov. 4.

The Redhawks will look for continued improvement today when they close out their two-game exhibition schedule, hosting Christian Brothers University from Memphis, Tenn. Tipoff at the Show Me Center is set for 5 p.m.

"That first game was a good starting point for us, but we've still got such a long way to go," Southeast coach B.J. Smith said. "We've got to get a lot better in a hurry, especially defensively, or Texas Tech might score 120 points on us."

Perennial power Texas Tech is Southeast's first regular-season opponent, Nov. 18 in Lubbock, Texas. The Red Raiders, 24-8 last year, enter the season ranked 13th nationally.

"We know we've got to improve a whole lot to play a team like Texas Tech," Conceicao said.

Conceicao, the reigning Ohio Valley Conference player of the year who is one of six returning Southeast seniors, led the Redhawks with 22 points in their exhibition opener.

Senior forward Natalie Purcell and senior guard Katrisha Dunn each scored 13 points.

Two of Southeast's six freshmen rounded out the Redhawks' double-figure scorers. Guard Tarina Nixon had 13 points, while forward Rachel Blunt from Dexter High School added 11 points.

"They're just going to get better and better," Smith said.

Southeast's two first-year junior college transfers also made an impact as center Lachelle Lyles had seven points and six rebounds, while 6-foot-6 Joiceline Thesing -- the tallest player in program history -- blocked five shots.

Today's opponent also visited the Show Me Center last year for an exhibition game, with Southeast routing Christian Brothers 75-40.