The Eastern Kentucky University women’s basketball team could not overcome a stifling Southeast Missouri State defense, falling to the Redhawks, 69-55, Saturday afternoon at the Show Me Center.
The Colonels (5-10, 2-4 OVC) shot a respectable 40 percent from the field, but could not gain any offensive rhythm, committing a season-high 35 turnovers, 20 coming in the first half. The Redhawks would convert those EKU miscues into 34 points.
Abby Wright led the way for Eastern, scoring 18 points and grabbing eight boards. A’Queen Hayes added 13 and a game-high nine rebounds, while Bria Bass scored 12 points and converted all seven of her foul shots. On the defensive end, Teri Goodlett came away with a career-high four steals, three coming in the final quarter.
EKU outrebounded the Redhawks, 31-25, and forced SEMO into 22 turnovers, 11 of them being steals. In addition, eight different Colonels finished with at least one assist.
Eastern made the game interesting midway through the third period, when a Wright three from the top of the key kick started a 10-1 Colonel run lasting 3:06 to get within eight, 47-39. However, the Redhawks closed the quarter on a 12-2 run to further extend their lead.
Southeast Missouri was led in scoring by Tesia Thompson, who scored a game-high 23 points and came away with six steals.
The Colonels return to action Thursday, when they travel back to Richmond to take on Tennessee Tech. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. ET.
— www.EKUSports.com —
Kevin Britton
Assistant Athletics Director for Communications & Branding
