B.J. Smith is expected to be introduced today as Southeast Missouri State University's new women's basketball coach, replacing Ed Arnzen.

Smith, the coach at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M junior college, will be introduced at a news conference at 3 p.m. at the University Center. The public is invited to attend.

Southeast officials have not said who the new coach will be, but Smith told the Southeast Missourian that he has accepted the position and he was en route from Miami, Okla., to Cape Girardeau Sunday night.

"I'm extremely excited," Smith said.

Smith was one of three finalists from an original field of approximately 50 applicants. The other finalists were Missouri Western coach David Slifer and Southeast assistant coach Alan Eads. All three met with Southeast officials for a day-long series of interviews earlier this month.

Smith, 37, has an 98-7 record in three seasons at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M. His team lost 87-80 to Seward County, Kan., Saturday night in the junior college national championship game to finish the year with a 35-1 record.

"It was a disappointing loss, but it was a great game," Smith said.

Northeastern Oklahoma A&M finished fourth in the nation in 2000 during Smith's first season at the school.

Arnzen retired this year after 19 seasons as Southeast's women's coach.