CHARLESTON, Ill. — Southeast Missouri Women's Basketball (8-13, 4-8 OVC) defeated Eastern Illinois (3-20, 2-10 OVC), 71-56, at Groniger Arena, dominating with 46 points in the paint on Saturday afternoon.
First Quarter
- Eastern Illinois started strong with a 6-0 run, featuring two layups by Sydney-James Desroches.
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Raissa Nsabua responded for the Redhawks, contributing a layup and jumper to bring them within two points. Nsabua would go on to have a perfect shooting night, going 6-6 from the field.
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Kearra Jones hit a 3-pointer, shifting momentum and giving the Redhawks a 9-6 lead.
- By the end of the quarter, the Redhawks held an 18-8 advantage.
Second Quarter
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Carmen Taylor scored a layup assisted by
Lexi McCully at 8:17, starting a strong performance for the Redhawks.
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Madison Ayers hit a fast-break 3-pointer, extending the lead to 13 points at 6:00.
- McCully converted two free throws at 5:26, pushing the Redhawks further ahead.
- Jones closed the quarter with a jumper at 0:30, sealing a 17–8 scoring advantage for the period.
Third Quarter
- Ella Lune opened the quarter with a layup, assisted by Meioshe Mason, boosting Eastern Illinois.
- Nsabua responded for the Redhawks with consecutive jumpers, extending their lead. She also went 2-4 at the free throw line, contributing to her total of 14 points.
- Ava Stoller added a three-pointer for Eastern Illinois to narrow the margin midway through the quarter.
- The Redhawks held a 53–35 advantage at the end of the third quarter.
Fourth Quarter
- McCully scored early with a layup at 9:33, boosting the Redhawks' lead.
- Eastern Illinois responded with a 3-pointer from Adriana Arroyo at 8:54.
- Taylor hit a 3-pointer at 5:11 to extend the visitors' lead.
- The Redhawks secured the 71–56 victory at the final buzzer.
SEMO Top Performers
Kearra Jones
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- 19 points
- 13 rebounds
- 3 blocks
Raissa Nsabua
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- 14 points
- 6/6 shots made
- 4 rebounds
Lexi McCully
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- 12 points
- 5/7 shots made
- 2 steals
Carmen Taylor
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- 8 points
- 4 assists
- 2 steals
Looking ahead, the Redhawks will host Morehead State on Thursday, Feb. 5. Tip-off is set for 5:15 p.m. at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
