OTAHKIANS STILL STRIVE FOR OVC TOURNAMENT

MOREHEAD, Ky. -- Southeast Missouri State University's women's basketball team earned something of a reprieve Thursday night by breaking a five-game losing streak.

But Otahkian coach Ed Arnzen knows that victory over Murray State will serve little purpose in the Ohio Valley Conference standings unless his team builds on it.

The Otahkians hope to do that during a long road trip that begins today with a 4:30 p.m. game against Morehead State. Southeast will face league-leading Eastern Kentucky at 1 p.m. Sunday before returning home.

"This is an extremely tough trip," said Arnzen. "Both teams will be difficult to beat. If we can get a split, I'd be happy."

Southeast remains in last place in the 10-team OVC, but Thursday's win gave the Otahkians a surge of confidence as they chase one of the eight spots in the league's postseason tournament.

The Otahkians (5-15 overall, 3-9 OVC) inched closer to three conference teams who have all won just four league games.

"It (beating Murray) definitely put us back in the picture," Arnzen said.

Morehead State, which the Otahkians beat 75-72 on Jan. 13 at the Show Me Center, has played well since then, improving to 7-12 overall and 5-6 in OVC play.

"They're a team we're capable of beating, although they've been playing very well and it's always tough to win on the road," said Arnzen. "I think the Murray game should give us some confidence for this road trip."

Southeast will certainly need that confidence Sunday against an Eastern Kentucky team that is 15-4 overall and 10-2 in the OVC.

"They've had a great season so far," Arnzen said. "That will be an extremely difficult game for us. It would be great to win the first one and then take our chances at Eastern."