Otahks can seal second place with win today

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Southeast Missouri State University's women's basketball team clinched at least a tie for second place Thursday in the Ohio Valley Conference by beating Tennessee Tech.

Today, the Otahkians (16-10, 10-5) look to finish in second by themselves and close the regular season on a positive note when they take on last-place Tennessee State (4-21, 2-13) at the Gentry Center. The tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.

"It would be really good to have second to ourselves and to get another win before the conference tournament," Southeast coach B.J. Smith said.

Thursday's 76-72 win over Tennessee Tech, coupled with a loss by Eastern Kentucky (10-6) to OVC champion Austin Peay (15-0), allowed the Otahkians to fare no worse than a second-place tie with the Colonels.

Southeast is assured of hosting a first-round OVC Tournament game Tuesday night, a reward that goes to the top four finishers in the nine-team league. The first-round winners advance to Nashville, Tenn., for the tournament semifinals.

"Getting that home game is big," Smith said. "You feel good about your chances of getting to Nashville if you can play that first game at home."

In order to finish in second all by themselves and close the regular season on a positive note, the Otahkians must avoid an upset bid by Tennessee State.

The Tigers lost to the Otahkians 77-64 on Feb. 3 in Cape Girardeau, but Tennessee State was competitive much of the way.

"We struggled with them quite a bit the last time," Smith said. "They've got some good individual talent, and we can't take them lightly."

Just moments after Thursday's come-from-behind 76-72 victory at Tennessee Tech, Smith was already preaching to his players the importance of not overlooking Tennessee State.

"We told the ladies it was a great win, a phenomenal win, but let's get ready for Tennessee State," Smith said. "We wanted to win the conference championship this year, and we felt like we could do it.

"But considering the injuries we had early, and some other things, I think to finish in second place all alone would be a nice accomplishment, and it would give us momentum going into the tournament."

Tennessee State is assured of finishing last in the OVC and will not qualify for the eight-team tournament, but Smith said he expects the Tigers' best shot in their final game of the season.

"We expect them to play hard, and we've got to play just as hard," he said.

mmishow@semissourian.com

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