SOUTHEAST ALMOST DOES IT

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Southeast Missouri State University's bid for its first-ever NCAA basketball tournament berth was thwarted by Murray State in a 62-61 loss in the Ohio Valley Conference tournament championship game Sunday.

For the second time this season, Murray State's Aubrey Reese hit a game-winning shot at the buzzer to beat the Indians.

And, for the second time this year, Reece's shot negated the heroics of Southeast's Kahn Cotton, who swished a 25-foot 3-pointer with 5 seconds left that gave Southeast a temporary 61-60 lead.

Southeast ended its season with a 20-9 record, while Murray State heads into the 64-team NCAA tournament with a 27-5 mark.

The Racers won their third straight OVC championship and have won 15 straight games over Southeast.

For complete game coverage, see page 1B.

For a special, in-depth look at both the SEMO men and women's basketball teams, see pages 13B and 14B.