Otahkians turn back EIU for win on the road

CHARLESTON, Ill. -- Coming off one of their worst Ohio Valley Conference game of the season, the Southeast Missouri State University Otahkians had to play well to avoid an upset at Eastern Illinois Thursday.

While the Otahkians weren't perfect, they did shoot better than 40 percent from 3-point range and held off a second-half Panther charge to capture their fifth OVC victory 82-64.

After leading by seven points at halftime, the Otahkians (11-6, 5-2) came out red-hot from the floor in the second half. Southeast hit four quick 3-pointers, including back-to-back 3's by Yashika Sidbury, to take a 15-point lead.

Despite Eastern Illinois' poor record, the Panthers (3-15, 2-5) stayed within striking distance. With Southeast leading 63-48, the Panthers went on an 8-0 run to cut the lead to seven.

Southeast coach B.J. Smith called a timeout to calm his team, and out of the timeout the Otahkians went back to work. Sidbury's fourth 3-pointer was part of a 13-2 run out of the Smith timeout that put the Otahkians up 18 and put the game out of reach.

Smith said he was impressed with his team's effort coming off of Saturday's disappointing loss to OVC leader Austin Peay.

"This is the most consistent mental effort we've had," he said.

Southeast was led by senior Lori Chase, who scored 20 points in 20 minutes.

"Lori can score inside and outside," Smith said.

Sidbury added 18 points in 16 minutes.

The Otahkians return home to face Tennessee Tech Saturday at 5:30 p.m.

Kenja White added 14 points and Sarah Costello had 10. Carina Souza led the Otahkians with 11 rebounds and Chase pulled down eight.