Redhawks' on-court problems follow them home

A crucial four-game Ohio Valley Conference homestand for the Southeast Missouri State men's basketball team began with a thud.

After losing their first three OVC games by 11, 24 and 27 points, the Redhawks appeared to make strides during a five-point defeat at Jacksonville State on Jan. 5.

That contest saw the Redhawks rally from a 21-point second-half deficit to pull within three late.

Any momentum the Redhawks might have gained that night in Alabama didn't carry over to Saturday, when Eastern Illinois routed host Southeast 83-63 in what may be the lowest point to date in a season full of lows.

So now the undermanned Redhawks sit 3-13 overall and 0-5 in league play. The OVC's only winless squad has lost five straight and 10 of 11.

I wrote on my blog last week that the Redhawks' four-game OVC homestand loomed large as they try to position themselves for a run at making the conference tournament.

Nothing the Redhawks have displayed so far suggests to me they shouldn't be considered the dubious, heavy favorite to finish last in the 10-team OVC. Only the top eight teams qualify for the league tournament.

I wrote that the Redhawks probably needed to at least split the four games to realistically keep from getting buried from contention for an OVC tournament berth before the league schedule is even half over.

With Saturday's loss, the prospects of a .500 homestand becomes even tougher with games against Tennessee-Martin, Morehead State and Eastern Kentucky.

The last-place Redhawks will have to pick up things quickly in order to not get buried in the basement.

Heck, the way things look right now, Southeast better improve to simply avoid going through its OVC schedule winless.

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A few more observations about Southeast men's basketball so far:

First, it's not like the Redhawks' struggles have been a surprise. With their limited numbers and overall talent, many people expected a rough season.

Second, junior center Calvin Williams is having a tremendous campaign, even though he had one of his worst games Saturday. Williams is among the most improved players in the OVC, and he is making a strong case as the league's premier big man.

Third, from my perspective, Southeast's dismal record has little to do with a lack of effort, although acting coach Zac Roman did question the Redhawks' heart and desire following Saturday's loss.

For the most part the Redhawks have given it all they've got; it's just that many times heart and desire simply aren't enough.

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Saturday's contest with Eastern Illinois marked the first of four straight home games -- three of them doubleheaders with the women -- featuring $2 student tickets while the students are on break.

Tonight's matchup with Tennessee-Martin is the only nondoubleheader during the week-long homestand, but it's probably the most attractive among the special promotion. That's because the sensational Lester Hudson will make his final appearance at the Show Me Center.

Hudson, a senior guard for the Skyhawks, is the reigning OVC player of the year who is also an All-American and a strong NBA prospect.

I can't imagine a better deal than getting to watch Hudson display his tremendous skills for just two bucks.

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One final Southeast men's hoop note:

It never was publicized, but freshman walk-on Marty Dames from Bell City recently left the team. He is no longer enrolled at Southeast.

Dames appeared in one game -- a blowout of NAIA Culver-Stockton on Nov. 21 -- and scored two points in three minutes of action.

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Southeast's women, who had lost eight of nine including their first two OVC games at home, appear to have righted the ship.

The Redhawks (7-8, 3-2) have notched three straight OVC wins, two on the road followed by Saturday's thrilling 58-51 home triumph over first-place Eastern Illinois, the preseason favorite.

Having star seniors Tarina Nixon and Sonya Daugherty healthy for the first time in weeks has probably been the biggest reason for the turnaround.

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Southeast's women have an impressive streak going.

The Redhawks have won 15 straight OVC road games dating back to the 2006-07 season, which was tied for the nation's second-longest active conference road winning streak entering the weekend.

The Redhawks had not been as good in OVC home games, dropping five of their last 12 at the Show Me Center before Saturday's victory.

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If ever there was a case for a major college football playoff, this year was it.

USC looked every bit as good as Florida in their respective bowl games -- maybe even better -- while Texas and Utah also deserved shots at the title.

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You sure can't blame Missouri's Jeremy Maclin for entering the NFL draft.

Maclin had a sensational two-year career for the Tigers and is regarded as one of the top wide receivers/return men in the draft, meaning he should be a high pick.

Maclin, in my opinion, would have been foolish to stay in school and risk serious injury before he cashes in on his talents.

Marty Mishow is a sports writer for the Southeast Missourian.