OTAHKS EXHIBIT ABILITY TO WIN

It was only an exhibition game -- but Southeast Missouri State University women's basketball coach Ed Arnzen couldn't help but be excited.

The Otahkians, trying to bounce back from two straight disappointing seasons, were impressive Monday night in beating a team from Latvia 78-76 at the Show Me Center.

Latvia had won two previous exhibition games, defeating Tulsa and Saint Louis. It had lost by just five points to Oklahoma and gave powerhouse Southwest Missouri State a tough battle.

"I think this definitely gives us a good feeling going into the season," said Arnzen, whose squad won both its exhibition games and will open the regular season Saturday at home against Division II Christian Brothers from Memphis.

"This will give us some confidence, I believe. Winning creates winning. It can snowball. We'd lost that feeling the last two years and hopefully we'll get it back."

While Arnzen was pleased to win, he did say that the Otahkians probably caught Latvia at a good time.

"I thought they got a little tired in the second half," he said. "They've played a lot of games and they've had to travel a lot."

Moneik Campbell and freshman Pam Iverson each scored 13 points to lead a balanced Southeast attack. Freshman Tiffany Melis added 10 points.

Tajuana White followed with eight points and Rusty Sowers had seven while Paula Corder, Sherry Cook and freshman Reagan Hughston -- who hit all three of her shots -- added six apiece.

With returning center Annie Struve out for about a month with a stress fracture, more of the inside load will fall on Iverson and Hughston, two highly-regarded newcomers.

"I think they're both going to be very good players," Arnzen said.

The Otahkians led 38-34 at halftime and went ahead 41-34 early in the second half.

Latvia rallied for a 50-43 lead, but Southeast hung tough. A Sowers 3-pointer with 1:27 left broke a tie and put the Otahkians ahead for good at 77-74.

"I was really pleased with the way we were able to keep our poise," said Arnzen. "The last couple of years, I think we kind of wondered how we were going to lose. Tonight, we found a way to win."

Arnzen was also happy that the Otahkians improved their rebounding from their first exhibition game. Southeast lost the battle of the boards again, but only 41 to 36.

"We did a much better job rebounding than in the last game," said Arnzen.

Agnese Brasmane led Latvia with 21 points while Gunta Basko added 17.

Now the Otahkians will look forward to games that truly count, beginning Saturday.

"We're looking forward to getting the season start," Arnzen said. "It's important we get off to a good start."