Redhawk women close with victory

win over Murray State leaves program with 11 wins, the most in three years

By MARTY MISHOW

Southeast Missourian

MURRAY, Ky. -- The Southeast Missouri State women's basketball team entered its final game of the season having already been eliminated from contention for an Ohio Valley Conference tournament berth.

That didn't lessen the Redhawks' desire to finish off their improved campaign with a bang.

"After not making it to the tournament, we were real upset," senior guard Bailie Roberts said. "We focused on playing together and having fun."

Southeast had plenty of fun Saturday, ending its second year under coach Ty Margenthaler with a 61-58 victory at Murray State.

"We came out with energy and we played together," junior forward Patricia Mack said.

While the Redhawks fell short in their bid to make the eight-team OVC tournament for the first time since the 2008-09 season, they still made significant strides this year.

The Redhawks (11-18, 5-11) tied for ninth place in the 12-team OVC, posting their most overall and conference victories since that 2008-09 campaign. Prior to this year, Southeast had not won more then eight games overall and four OVC games since 2008-09.

"Obviously our No. 1 goal was to make the conference tournament, but it's a great way to go out," said Margenthaler, whose first Southeast squad last year went 7-22 overall and a 10th-place 4-12 in what was then an 11-team league. "We did some things that haven't been done in four years. We're breaking down barriers."

Margenthaler was especially pleased that his seniors -- Roberts, forward Brittany Harriel and forward Courtney Shiffer -- were able to end their careers with a victory.

"Not many people can say they won their final game," Margenthaler said. "I'm really happy for the seniors. They could have laid down, but they didn't."

Another milestone for the Redhawks was that they swept MSU (16-12, 8-8) -- which had already qualified for the OVC tournament -- for the first time since the 2006-07 season. Southeast won this year's earlier meeting 70-58 in Cape Girardeau.

"I think it showed the younger girls that when we play together, we can beat good teams," Roberts said.

Southeast got off to a strong start and led most of the way, although things were tight in the second half.

The Redhawks scored the first five points and built the game's biggest lead of 24-12 midway through the opening period.

"I thought early we made the extra pass and we made some shots early," Margenthaler said.

MSU's only first-half lead was 31-29 at the break on a basket with four seconds left.

There were three ties and three lead changes early in the second half. Southeast surged back in front 42-41 on a Roberts jumper with just over 16 minutes left.

The Redhawks stayed ahead the rest of the way and led by nine points midway through the period.

Twice MSU cut the deficit to three points late, including 61-58 with just under two minutes left. There was no further scoring as Southeast survived two missed 3-point attempts by the Racers in the final 10 seconds.

"We didn't have anything to hold back. There was no pressure," Roberts said. "Diving on the floor, getting loose balls, we did everything you need to do to win. We just wanted to get this win."

Roberts, Southeast's top scorer on the season, led the way with 17 points. She also grabbed eight rebounds as Southeast won the battle of the boards 42-33.

Mack had 10 points and nine rebounds.

Freshman guard Kara Wright wrapped up an impressive rookie campaign with 10 points, four assists and two steals.

Harriel and junior point guard Jordan Hunter scored nine points apiece. Hunter also recorded four assists while Shiffer added seven rebounds.

Margenthaler also credited Hunter for shutting down MSU guard Erika Sisk, the likely OVC freshman of the year who was averaging 14.2 points. She had only two points Saturday on 1-for-13 shooting.

Southeast shot a solid 44.2 percent while MSU shot 34.4 percent.

"It's a good memory for the seniors to go out with," Roberts said of the win. "I think we set a tone tonight. ... I think the future is bright for these girls."