Southeast womens' basketball team to play in-state foes again in 2013-14

The 2013-14 Southeast Missouri State women's basketball schedule announced Thursday will again offer the the Redhawks an opportunity for state bragging rights, something coach Ty Margenthaler is excited about.

Southeast, for the second year in a row, will play all four of Missouri's other Division I programs.

The Redhawks host Missouri-Kansas City on Nov. 14, visit the University of Missouri on Nov. 21, visit Saint Louis University on Dec. 10 and travel to Missouri State on Dec. 21.

Southeast went 1-3 against that foursome last year, the victory coming at home against Saint Louis.

The Redhawks also again face regional rival SIU Carbondale, hosting that contest Dec. 4 in the Salukis' first trip to Cape Girardeau since the 2005-06 season. SIU edged Southeast 58-57 last year in Carbondale, Ill.

"I'm excited about the schedule. I think it's a very good schedule," Margenthaler said. "It's great to play our in-state rivals again and also Southern Illinois. Those games continue to give us a chance to build some great rivalries."

Southeast's 29-game regular-season schedule features 13 home dates.

Five of the Redhawks' 13 nonconference matchups are at the Show Me Center, beginning Nov. 11 when Bradley visits.

Other nonconference home games are against Western Kentucky on Nov. 19 and Illinois-Springfield on Dec. 12. The Redhawks lost at Western Kentucky last season.

A highlight of Southeast's nonconference road slate is the New Mexico tournament Nov. 29 and 30. The Redhawks open with Arkansas of the Southeastern Conference, then will play either host New Mexico or Binghamton.

Other nonleague road matchups are the Nov. 8 season opener at Alabama A&M, Nov. 23 at Wichita State and Dec. 7 at Western Illinois. Southeast beat Western Illinois at home last year.

Southeast's 16-game Ohio Valley Conference schedule tips off with a New Year's Eve home matchup against Belmont.

A highlight of the OVC slate is Feb. 3 against Austin Peay in Southeast's second annual Classroom on the Court, a game that features a special 11 a.m. Monday tipoff.

The Redhawks again play just one exhibition game, Nov. 2 at home against Maryville University.