ARNZEN POCKETS WIN NO. 300 IN OTAHKS' SEASON OPENER 77-42

JONESBORO, Ark. -- Unlike some of his 299 victories, Southeast Missouri State University's women's coach Ed Arnzen was able to sit back and enjoy his 300th career victory Friday night in the Otahkians' season opener.

Southeast left nothing to chance in Arnzen's milestone victory with a sound 77-42 thumping of Mississippi Valley State in the opening round of the Arkansas State Tournament.

Sophomore center Pam Iversen scored 14 points to lead 12 Southeast players in the scoring column. Freshman guard LaShelle Porter added 12 points and senior guard Paula Corder-King finished with 11. Corder-King saw her OVC record 39-straight free throws end in a 1-for-2 performance at the line.

Southeast (1-0) will face tournament host Arkansas State tonight at 7:30 in the championship game.

The Otahkians shot 47 percent from the field on 19-of-62 shooting. Mississippi Valley struggled from the field, shooting at a 24 percent clip for the game.

Kristy Roherty and Liea Toedt tied for team rebounding honors with six apiece as the Otahkians held a 46-43 rebounding advantage.

Southeast built a 37-21 lead by halftime and never looked back.