Nov. 21, 2003

Complete Results

Cape Girardeau, Mo. - Despite a late surge by the Phoenix of Wisconsin-Green Bay, the Southeast Missouri State men's basketball team was able to hold on to a 63-62 lead to win its regular-season opener.

After getting into foul trouble early in the game, Southeast remained in control for most of the first half, gaining as much as a nine-point advantage late in the half. The Indians took a 34-27 lead into the locker room, after outshooting UW-Green Bay 51.9 percent to 40.9.

In the second half, however, the Phoenix caught fire, hitting two-thirds of their three-pointers and shooting 60 percent from the field. They cut the lead to one with less than a minute remaining, but the Southeast defense held on for the victory.

Dainmon Gonner, in his first regular-season game with Southeast after transferring from Hutchinson Community College, scored a game-high 14 points. He also had a team-high five rebounds.

Another new face to Southeast, freshman guard Terrick Willoughby, scored 11 points. Willoughby hit three three-pointers, and was four-for-seven from the floor.

Two faces that aren't new to the Indians scoresheet are Brandon Griffin and Derek Winans, who each put up 10 points in the contest. Winans was four-for-five from the floor and led the team with four assists while Griffin reached double digits after sitting out most of the first half with foul trouble.

For UW-Green Bay Terry Parker and Mike King led the way with 12 points each, and Josh Lawrence picked up 10 points, going two-for-two from long distance.

Southeast edged the Phoenix on the boards 29-26.

The Indians will look to continue their early success as they play Kentucky Christian Monday at 7:30 p.m. at the Show Me Center.