'Hawks attempt eighth straight win vs. UTM

~ Southeast will face the Skyhawks for the first time this season.

Well past the midway point of the Ohio Valley Conference season, it's unusual that Southeast Missouri State still has not played every OVC team.

But that is the case for the Redhawks (13-7, 10-3) entering today's 5 p.m. contest against Tennessee-Martin (6-14, 4-9) at the Show Me Center.

Southeast will be facing the Skyhawks for the first time, as the Redhawks shoot for their eighth consecutive victory. The squads will also square off on Feb. 18 in Martin, Tenn.

"It's a big game because we haven't seen them yet," Southeast coach B.J. Smith said. "We've played every other conference team, and several of them we've already played twice.

"But other than watching them on film, we haven't seen them, so you never really know what to expect."

What Smith expects is for the Redhawks to continue their recent strong play that has featured stifling defense, although he would like to see them start stronger offensively.

Southeast, which has allowed an average of just 50.9 points per game during its seven-game winning streak, has struggled during the first halves of recent contests before dominating in the second halves.

"We've come out and played really well defensively from the start, but our offense just hasn't been there until the second half," Smith said. "Hopefully we can start getting our offense going earlier."

Southeast fell one-half game out of first place in the OVC because of Tennessee Tech's 48-41 win at Tennessee-Martin on Thursday, although the Redhawks and Eaglettes are still tied on the loss side with three conference defeats.

"Every game is big, but it's been that way for a while for us," Smith said.

Smith expects to receive a test from the Skyhawks, who have lost seven of their last eight games and are desperately trying to make a push for the OVC tournament.

UTM is 10th among 11 OVC teams. Only the top eight finishers qualify for the tournament.

"They'll come in here really needing to win, and I know we'll get their best shot," Smith said.

The Skyhawks are led by junior forward Andreika Jackson, an all-conference performer who averages 15 points per game.