Otahkians drop first league game

RICHMOND, Ky. -- Eastern Kentucky won a battle of unbeaten women's basketball teams in the Ohio Valley Conference with an 88-77 victory over Southeast Missouri State University Monday night.

The victory was the eighth straight for EKU, which improved to 12-4 overall and 4-0 in the conference.

In suffering its first conference loss, Southeast fell to 8-5 and 2-1.

EKU held a 45-44 lead at halftime, but the Colonels outscored the Otahkians 43-33 over the final 20 minutes.

Sophomore center Miranda Eckerle led five EKU players in double figures with 21 points. Candis Cook added 17 points and was followed by Teresa McNair (12), Katie Kelly (11) and Laura Shelton (10).

Guard Kenja White paced the Otahkians with 18 points while Lori Chase had 12 and LaShelle Porter had 10.

Southeast saw its sizzling 3-point shooting go cold against the Colonels. The Otahkians set a school record by hitting 16 of 31 3-point attempts Saturday in an 83-63 win over Morehead State. The Otahkians hit on just 3 of 17 (17.6 percent) against EKU. Southeast was 1 of 8 from behind the arc in the second half when EKU pulled away.

The Colonels matched Southeast's total of three 3-pointers despite attempting just four on the night.

The Otahkians also committed 30 turnovers for the second straight game.

Chase pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds, but EKU held a 38-37 rebounding edge overall.

Southeast returns home for a 5:30 p.m. game Saturday against Murray State.