Fuzzy style - Belcher gives Hawks a spark from off bench

Ryan "Fuzzy" Belcher doesn't shoot all that much, but when he does, the ball goes in more often than not.

Belcher, however, is more comfortable wreaking having on defense than generating offense.

The total package has turned Southeast Missouri State University's junior guard into a major sparkplug off the bench, made him a fan favorite at the Show Me Center -- and been a big reason why the Redhawks have put together their first three-game winning streak since the 2000-001 season.

"Fuzzy is just playing so well right now," Southeast coach Gary Garner said. "He's doing everything we're asking him to do, and he's a fun kid to be around, always smiling."

Belcher, a 6-foot-2 transfer from Florissant Valley Community College in St. Louis, scored a season-high 11 points during Saturday's 72-65 overtime win over Samford that lifted the Redhawks to 9-10 overall and 4-4 in Ohio Valley Conference play heading into Thursday's game at Tennessee-Martin (4-15, 1-7).

Although Belcher is averaging just 5.2 points per game, he has averaged 10 points over his last three games. For the season, he is shooting 63 percent from the field (34 of 54) and 52.6 percent from 3-point range (10 of 19), having hit six of his last seven 3-point attempts. In OVC play, Belcher has hit 20 of 30 overall (66.7 percent), including six of 10 3-pointers (60 percent).

"Coach sat down and talked to me and said it's my role to take open shots, and to take good shots," Belcher said following Saturday's victory, in which he hit four of five shots and made his only 3-point attempt.

Said Garner, "Fuzzy just continues every game to come off the bench and give us a big lift. He brings a lot of energy, a real spark. And he's shooting so well. He doesn't take a bad shot."

That's all well and good, but it's defense that really gets Belcher's juices going as he uses his quick hands to wreak havoc all over the court.

"Defense has always been my game," said a smiling Belcher, who said he takes after his brother in that area, former Nebraska standout Cookie Belcher, who was one of the nation's premier defensive players during his days with the Cornhuskers. "I follow after him."

Belcher, the career steals leader at Florissant Valley Community College, averaged 13 points, seven rebounds, six steals and four assists per game last year for the Norsemen. He came to Southeast expecting big minutes right away but played sparingly early in the season.

"At first it was frustrating, but now that I'm playing a lot everything is fine," Belcher said.

And he said he's also fine with coming off the bench after being a starter in junior college.

"It was different at first, but I like the fact I get to be a spark for the team," said Belcher. "Sometimes it gets difficult, sitting eight or nine minutes before coming into the game, but I've gotten used to it."

As for apparently becoming a crowd favorite with Southeast fans, Belcher grinned and said, "It's probably because they like my name."

And just how did the native of Mexico, Mo., get to be nicknamed "Fuzzy?" That will likely remain a mystery -- because Belcher said he's not even sure about it.

"I don't really remember how I got that name, I think an aunt gave it to me when I was little, but I don't know why," Belcher said.

Hitting the road

After going 3-1 on a four-game homestand, Southeast hits the road for three straight games. Following Thursday's matchup at Tennessee-Martin, the Redhawks visit Murray State Saturday and Eastern Illinois Tuesday.

"All three games will be tough, but we're capable of winning all of them," Garner said.

The Redhawks have bounced back from three excruciating OVC losses -- by a total of seven points, including two in overtime -- to pull within a game of fourth place in the 11-team league.

"We've shown a lot of character," Garner said. "After those three tough losses, and the season we had last year, it would have been easy to get down and doubt ourselves. I'm really proud of the guys."