Going out in style

The Southeast Missouri State women's basketball team experienced absolutely no letdown following one of its biggest wins this season.

Two days after an 18-point victory over Murray State, the Redhawks routed struggling Tennessee-Martin 58-39 in their final regular-season home contest.

"It crossed my mind," senior forward Crysta Glenn said of a possible letdown. "We didn't want to come into this game thinking we had it in the bag."

Saturday's victory at the Show Me Center kept the Redhawks (15-12, 10-6) tied for fourth place in the Ohio Valley Conference with two games remaining.

The top four finishers earn first-round OVC tournament home games.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.comSoutheast Missouri State senior Szandra Pal puts up a shot over UT-Martin defenders during Saturday's game at the Show Me Center.

"That's what we're shooting for," sophomore wing Lauren Sharpe said.

The Redhawks celebrated senior night by handing the Skyhawks (2-24, 0-15) their 14th straight loss.

With the outcome well in hand most of the way, all seven Southeast seniors were able to play significant minutes.

"It's great because we got a win and we got all seven seniors extended minutes to show what we think of them and what they've meant to the university," Southeast coach John Ishee said.

Senior point guard Tarina Nixon led the Redhawks with 13 points.

Southeast Missouri State's Tarina Nixon drives against UT-Martin defenders during the second half.

Sharpe hit 3 of 4 3-pointers and scored 11 points. The OVC leader in steals per game also added three thefts.

Sharpe said she and the rest of the underclassmen were focused on helping send the seniors out on a strong note in their final regular-season home game.

"That's what we were looking for on senior night," Sharpe said. "We wanted to jump on them early."

Southeast never trailed and was only tied twice in the early going. The Redhawks steadily pulled away and led 32-15 at halftime.

The margin never dipped under 16 points in the second half, and the biggest advantage was 28 points.

Southeast's defense forced 25 turnovers and limited UTM to 36.8 percent shooting.

"That's what we take pride in," Sharpe said of Southeast's defense.

Southeast finishes the regular season with two road games, Thursday at Tennessee State and Saturday at Austin Peay.

The Redhawks are battling with those squads and Morehead State for the final two OVC tournament home-court berths.

"That's our focus right now," Glenn said.