Redhawks open OVC play win a big win at Austin Peay

Carrie Shephard (2) celebrates a basket by Taelour Pruitt (10) in a recent Redhawks victory. Southeast defeated Austin Peay Thursday, 79-66.

Ben Matthews ~ bmatthews@semissourian.com

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - Overcoming an early deficit, Southeast Missouri State (9-3, 1-0) roared back to defeat Austin Peay, 79-66, to begin Ohio Valley Conference play Thursday.

"I thought our team played hard and tough after the first quarter," said Redhawks coach Rekha Patterson. "We made it tough for our opponent to get into a rhythm."

The Redhawks had three players in double figures, led by redshirt senior Carrie Shephard, who had 19 points, including two three-pointers.

The Governors shot out to a 7-0 lead and at the end of 10 minutes led Southeast 24-19.

Making their move

The Redhawks took their first lead with 4:32 left in the second quarter on a free throw by Jocelyn Taylor. Until intermission, there would five more lead changes – and Southeast went into the locker room with a four-point lead.

"(At halftime), I told our ladies what I always tell them (at intermission)," said Patterson, "that in their minds the score should be 0-0 and they should stay locked in."

Southeast opened its largest lead, 74-61, with 2:59 left in the game on Shephard’s layup – and 13 would be the final margin of victory.

Tesia Thompson had 14 points for Southeast, including going 6-for-6 from the charity stripe.

Taelour Pruitt, the leading scorer in Sunday’s home victory over Harris Stowe, added 11 for the winners – and was perfect from the foul line, going 4-for-4.

LaTrese Saine, despite playing just seven minutes for Southeast, led both teams with four fouls.

Success defending the three-pointer

"We mixed our defenses well and got back quickly in transition to defend against the 3," said Patterson.

Austin Peay was 6-for-23 from beyond the arc.

"Our success in limiting their 3s makes me proud," added the Southeast coach.

For Austin Peay, Ella Sawyer and Arielle Gonzalez-Varner were in double figures, with 16 and 15 points respectively.

Southeast had the edge in rebounds 36-29.

The Redhawks coach was clear about a statistic most gratifying for her squad.

"We turned the ball over just 13 times to a team who leads the league in steals," said Patterson, noting that the Governors average 23 turnovers per contest.

Trending

Southeast won its third straight and snapped the Governors’ four-game win streak, handing Austin Peay its first loss at home this season.

Patterson improves to 3-2 in OVC openers in her fifth season at Southeast.

The Governors continue to have the edge all-time against Southeast, 34-29. Until Thursday, Austin Peay had won six of the last seven head-to-head matchups. The victory avenges a 56-54 Governors win February 21, 2019 at the Winfield Dunn Center.

Next up

Southeast’s next OVC contest is Saturday at Murray State (7-5, 0-1).

"(The Racers) beat us twice last season," said Patterson, "and this year their sophomore Macey Turley leads the league in scoring."

SCORING

Southeast 19 18 22 20 - 79

Austin Peay 24 9 16 17 - 66

SOUTHEAST (79) Carrie Shephard 19, Tesia Thompson 14, Taelour Pruitt 11, Roshala Scott 9, Denisha Gardener 8, Jocelyn Taylor 7, Jessie Harshberger 7, Sophie Bussard 2, LaTrese Saine 2. FGs 33, FT 16-21, F 16. (3-pointers: Shephard 2, Pruitt. Fouled out: none.)

AUSTIN PEAY (66) Ella Sawyer 16, Arielle Gonzalez-Varner 15, Kelen Kenol 6, D’shara Booker 6, Brianah Ferby 5, Kasey Kidwell 5, Maggie Knowles 4, Tanahee Bennell 3, Shay-lee Kirby 3, Brandi Ferby 3. FGs 30, FTs 12-15, F 16. Fouled out: none.)

Attendance: 376.