CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Southeast Missouri women's basketball defeated the Evangel Crusaders 72-60 to kick off the SEMO Thanksgiving Classic.
 
Evangel got off to the early lead, shooting 58 percent from the field including a perfect two for two from the three-point line in the first period. Southeast got off to a slow start the first five minutes, but got into a rhythm offensively at about the four-minute mark.
 
Evangel led Southeast 17-13 at the end of the first quarter.
 
SEMO remained in a groove offensively in the second quarter, shooting 50 percent as a team. The Redhawks used a 15-0 run, holding Evangel scoreless for over six minutes, to take a 30-23 lead into half. Tesia Thompson scored seven points in the period.
 
Southeast showed some full court pressure in the third quarter, forcing seven turnovers from Evangel, leading to easy buckets. Adrianna Murphy chipped in seven points and two assists in the period.
 
At the end of three, SEMO led 55-46.
 
In the fourth quarter, Southeast forced another five turnovers and limited Evangel to just 37 percent shooting. LaTrese Saine had six points in the final period.
 
As a team, the Redhawks forced 22 Evangel turnovers.
 
Saine finished with 15 points and six rebounds in the game, both career highs for the 6-4 forward.
 
Adrianna Murphy filled the stat sheet up again; ending with nine points, eight rebounds and five assists.
 
Ashton Luttrull continues to play well off the bench, having 10 points and five assists on the game. Mandy Madden finished with a season high 11 points.
 
Southeast will battle Bradley tomorrow afternoon at 3:15 at the Show Me Center to conclude the SEMO Thanksgiving Classic.