OTAHKIANS FINISH 2ND IN NATIONA

(Game story on Page 1B)

CAPE GIRARDEAU - The Southeast Missouri State University Otahkians were unable to overcome the final hurdle in their quest for an NCAA Division II women's national championship Saturday.

But the 81-74 setback to North Dakota State didn't send the record attendance, some 7,064 Otahkian fans, scurrying out of the Show me Center when the final buzzer sounded.

In fact, the largest gathering to ever witness a women's Division II game stayed until the final ceremony, giving the Otahkians a standing ovation when they received the runnerup trophy. Saturday's attendance total is also the largest gathering to ever witness a women's basketball game in Missouri.

"I'm so proud of the players and assistant coaches of this team," said Otahkian coach Ed Arnzen. "I told our players there is no reason for them to hang their heads. They should be proud of their accomplishments."

The Otahkians saw their 21-game winning streak halted in the championship. But not before a total of 13,694 patrons filled the Show Me Center for a weekend of action-packed hoops.

"Our fans have been tremendous in their support for this team," said Arnzen. "After seeing how they came out and backed us, I really believe that this program will never be the same again. This has done a tremendous amount of good for women's basketball, not just here, but all across the state."

Southeast finished the season with a 31-4 mark, the finest basketball record in the school's history.

Sarita Wesley led the Otahkians with 26 points. Sherry Mitchell added 19 points and All-American center Jerri Wiley followed with 16 points for the Otahkians.

Wesley and Wiley were named to the All-Tournament team. North Dakota State's Nadine Schmidt, who scored 13 points and grabbed seven rebounds, was named the tournament MVP.

Jill DeVries, who scored 14 points for the Bison, was also named to the All-Tournament team.

A replay of Saturday's championship game will be shown Monday at 12:30 p.m. on ESPN.

Southeast will honor the Otahkians in the Show Me Center at noon Monday. The game will be shown on a big screen for Otahkian fans and boosters.