CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Southeast Missouri women's basketball avoided a late comeback by Bradley, winning 57-53, to conclude the SEMO Thanksgiving Classic.
 
It was a tale of two halves at the Show Me Center. Southeast came out on fire in the first quarter, shooting 47 percent from the field while limiting Bradley to just 22 percent.
 
Southeast led 17-10 at the end of one.
 
The Redhawks didn't shoot the ball quite as well in the second period, but they managed to hold Bradley to 33 percent shooting in the quarter and forced 9 turnovers.
 
SEMO was on top 30-18 at half.
 
Southeast was killed by turnovers in the second half. In the third period, they turned the ball over 9 times, while Bradley did just once. The Braves were able to climb back within five points to start the fourth quarter at 38-33.
 
After shooting under 40 percent the first three quarters, Bradley was 46 percent from the field in the fourth while Southeast shot just 26 percent.
 
The Braves, who once trailed by 17, took the lead 49-47 with 2:56 to play.
 
Southeast was up one, 54-53, with the ball, with under a minute to play. Mandy Madden secured a huge offensive rebound off a missed shot with under 30 seconds to play, forcing Bradley to foul.
 
Ashton Luttrull split a pair at the line putting SEMO up two, giving the Braves a chance to tie or take the lead. However, Madison Dellamuth was called for a travel with 25 seconds remaining, giving the ball back to the Redhawks.
 
Luttrull was fouled the next play and knocked down a pair of free throws to secure the win.
 
Tesia Thompson led the way for the Redhawks with second career double-double, finishing with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
 
Mandy Madden collected a career high 13 rebounds in the game.
 
Southeast finished the Thanksgiving Classic 2-0, the only undefeated team.
 
The Redhawks will play next at Cincinnati on November 30. Tip-off for the game is set at 6 p.m. at the Saint Ursula Academy.