EASTERN KENTUCKY DEFEATS OTAHKS

Southeast Missouri State University's women's basketball team lost another game Saturday night -- but this time the Otahkians had a right to feel a little better about themselves.

Despite dropping a 71-55 Ohio Valley Conference decision to Eastern Kentucky at the Show Me Center, the Otahkians put together one of their best performances of the season.

The Otahkians trailed the powerful Lady Colonels by just two points with under seven minutes remaining before EKU pulled away down the stretch.

Southeast, which lost its fourth straight, is now 2-9 overall and 0-4 in OVC play. EKU improved to 7-3 overall, 3-1 in the league.

"I was proud of them. I was proud of their effort," said Southeast coach Ed Arnzen. "People are searching for the answer and the answer is within.

"We weren't happy with what happened Thursday (a lopsided home loss to Tennessee-Martin). I think the kids banded together and said they were better than this. We have to play harder and I think we did."

The Otahkians put up the solid effort despite playing without second-leading scorer Dana Hawkins, who is having problems with her blood pressure.

"Dana has had mild blood pressure problems all year," explained Arnzen. "She's been under medication and has been able to play. But the blood pressure was higher tonight and her health is the most important thing. I'd say she's out indefinitely right now."

Stephanie Faith started for Hawkins and gave a solid effort with five points and a team-high seven rebounds.

"I thought Stephanie did a very good job," said Arnzen.

Kim Palmer hit 11 of 14 shots and scored a career-high 22 points to lead the Otahkians. She had 16 second-half points as Southeast made a serious run at EKU.

Trina Goodrich paced the Lady Colonels with 14 points. Laphelia Doss added 13 and Amanda Reid had 11.

The Otahkians trailed 32-26 at halftime and they fell behind 40-30 early in the second half.

Southeast still trailed 50-42 when Palmer scored six points during a 10-4 run capped by her jumper with 6:59 left that pulled the Otahkians to within 54-52.

But EKU then took control with a 12-0 burst that put the Lady Colonels ahead 66-52 and wiped out Southeast's upset hopes.

"We really came back in the second half," Arnzen said. "But Eastern Kentucky is a very good team, one of the better teams in the league."

Southeast shot relatively well, connecting on 25 of 54 attempts from the field. But turnovers continued to plague the Otahkians as they had 22 Saturday.

"Turnovers are still hurting us," said Arnzen. "We're just not getting enough shots."

Still, Arnzen was encouraged heading into Monday's 5:30 p.m. game against visiting Morehead State.

"It really is encouraging," he said. "The kids have got something to be proud of tonight. I'm as sick of losing as they are, but they have to realize that the same kind of effort could mean a win the next game."