OTAHKIANS SEEK REVENGE ON ROAD

A little payback will no doubt be on the minds of Southeast Missouri State University's women's basketball players tonight as the Otahkians have their first road game of the season.

Last year, the University of Missouri-Kansas City came to the Show Me Center and scored a late basket to beat the Otahkians 71-70. The squads will hook up in a rematch at 7 o'clock tonight in Kansas City.

"They beat us at the end of the game last year and it would be nice to get them back," said Southeast coach Ed Arnzen.

More than revenge, however, Arnzen is anxious to see how his young squad that has just one senior fares away from home. The Otahkians opened the season Friday night with an 83-53 home rout of NAIA Missouri Baptist.

"We have a lot of new players and it will be interesting to see how they react to their first game away from home, especially against a quality opponent," Arnzen said.

Arnzen believes UMKC will be a major challenge for his team. The Kangaroos, who opened the season with a 62-49 loss at Kansas State, return several key players from a year ago.

"They will be a good team," said Arnzen. "They're big, with 6-4, 6-4 and 6-2 across the front line. They've got a lot of their top players back from last year, so it's going to be a big challenge for us."

UMKC's top returning player is 6-foot-4 forward Lauren Powers, who averaged more than 13 points and six rebounds per game last season. Powers scored 14 points in the opening loss to Kansas State.

Anna Niedbal, a 6-2 forward, paced the Kangaroos with 17 points in their season opener. Juanita Fultz, a 5-9 guard, added 12 points.

Southeast was led offensively in its season opener by freshman center Tisa Thomas, who came off the bench to score 15 points. Three starters scored in double figures: junior guard Veronica Benson (13), sophomore forward Lori Chase (12) and sophomore point guard LaShelle Porter (11).

"I was encouraged by our performance (against Missouri Baptist)," Arnzen said. "We've still got a long way to go, but I thought for a first game, it was pretty good."

Following tonight's game, the Otahkians will hit the road again for a long trip this weekend as they participate in the four-team Fresno State Classic. Southeast opens tourney play against New Mexico State at 3 p.m. Saturday.