EVANSVILLE, Ind. — #8 Southeast Missouri (14-17, 8-12 OVC) edged #4 Morehead State  (18-14, 13-7 OVC) with a 60-55 victory, capitalizing on a strong fourth quarter to secure the win. The Redhawks benefited from a perfect 15-for-19 performance at the free-throw line to maintain their lead. Remarkably, #8 SEMO became the first team in OVC Tournament history to win multiple games in the same tournament, advancing to the OVC semifinals for the first time since the 2022-23 season.

First Quarter
- Carmen Taylor opened the scoring with a 3-pointer for the Redhawks, assisted by Raissa Nsabua.
- The Eagles gained momentum with Marie Sepp and Laura Toffali each contributing layups to take an early lead.
- Ainaya Williams made key free throws and a layup, narrowing the gap for the Redhawks.
- At the end of the first quarter, the Eagles led 15–12.

Second Quarter
- The Eagles maintained an early lead with strong interior play, scoring 12 points in the paint.
- The Redhawks responded with three 3-pointers, including back-to-back shots from Da'Kariya Jackson, to narrow the gap.
- Both teams traded baskets in the latter stages, with Williams hitting a late free throw.
- At halftime, the Eagles led narrowly, 31–29.

Third Quarter
- Nsabua connected on a 3-pointer early, assisted by Jackson, giving the Redhawks a slight edge.
- Kearra Jones added to the lead with a layup and jumper, both facilitated by Taylor's assists.
- Zoey Rixter maintained the momentum with a jumper, leveling the score at 38 after the Eagles briefly regained the lead.
- At the end of the third quarter, the Eagles held a narrow 43–40 advantage.

Fourth Quarter
- Lexi McCully's steal led to a quick layup by Jones, keeping the game tight early in the quarter.
- Nsabua and McCully each hit crucial 3-pointers, helping the Redhawks keep pace with the Eagles.
- Williams knocked down a pair of free throws to give the Redhawks a slim lead with under three minutes remaining.
- McCully sealed the victory with four consecutive free throws in the final 18 seconds.
- The game concluded with the Redhawks securing a 60–55 win.

SEMO Top Performers
Kearra Jones
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- 15 points  
- 8 rebounds  
- 6/9 field goals made  

Da'Kariya Jackson  
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- 9 points  
- 3/4 three-pointers made  
- 5 rebounds  

Ainaya Williams  
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- 11 points  
- 5/6 free throws made  
- 2 blocks  

Zoey Rixter  
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- 5 points  
- 3 blocks  
- 2 rebounds  

The Redhawks advance to the 2026 OVC Tournament semifinal round and will matchup with #1 Western Illinois on Friday afternoon at 1 p.m., CT. from the Ford Center.