CINCINNATI – Southeast Missouri women's basketball fell to the Cincinnati Bearcats 65-52 in its first of four straight games on the road.
 
Cincinnati got off to a quick 10-0 lead in just the first three minutes of the game. Kaley Leyhue subbed in and had a quick five points getting the Redhawks offense going.
 
Cincinnati led 19-10 at the end of one.
 
Southeast started the second quarter much like the first, with the Bearcats opening the period on a 9-2 run. The Redhawks went on a 7-0 run towards the end of the quarter as they started to knock down perimeter shots and cut into the lead.
 
Through two quarters, SEMO trailed the Bearcats 39-24. Southeast shot 36 percent from the field while Cincinnati shot 48 percent.
 
The Redhawks began the third quarter strong with an and-one finish from Ashton Luttrull. The offense started to come together for Southeast. However, Cincinnati was able answer every basket, making it hard to put any dent in the lead.
 
Southeast shot a much better 47 percent in the quarter, but still trailed 57-37 after three.
 
The Redhawks were able to cut into the lead in the fourth quarter, but unfortunately just ran out of time. Southeast outscored the Bearcats 15-8 in the final period, but it was too little, too late, as they fell by 13 points.
 
Adrianna Murphy led the way for the Redhawks with 15 points, five rebounds and five assists. Murphy also knocked down two three pointers, her first of the season.
 
Tesia Thompson chipped in nine points and six rebounds. Ashton Luttrull added eight points and seven rebounds.
 
Southeast will next face the Western Illinois Leathernecks on Dec. 5. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.