OTAHKS FACE TOUGH ODDS IN HOLIDAY INN CLASSIC

Southeast Missouri State University women's basketball coach Ed Arnzen knows just how difficult a challenge awaits his team in Nevada.

But Arnzen also knows that challenge will be a lot less daunting now that the Otahkians have a victory under their belts.

The Otahkians (1-2) will take on host Nevada (1-1) at 9 p.m. CST tonight in the opening round of the Holiday Inn Classic in Reno.

South Carolina (2-1) and Texas-El Paso (1-1) will square off in tonight's other game. The championship and third-place contests will be Saturday.

"It's going to be a very difficult tournament, but at least we're going into it with a win," said Arnzen. "That should at least give us some confidence."

Southeast gained its first victory and broke an overall eight-game losing streak dating back to last season by beating visiting Western Illinois 70-68 Tuesday night.

Sarah Frazier led the Otahkians with 18 points while Moneik Campbell had 16 and Annie Struve added 15.

"We really needed that win," said Arnzen.

Getting a win in the Holiday Inn Classic will be difficult, said Arnzen, who added that all three teams are strong.

"They're all very good," he said. "If we could go out there and win a game, it would be a great trip."

Tonight's opponent, Nevada, is led by 6-foot-2 center Ieesha Donadelle, who averages 16.5 points and 10 rebounds per game.

South Carolina is led by Lisa Williams (17 ppg) while UTEP's top scorer is DaTechia Specht (15 ppg).

Frazier is pacing the Otahkians with 14 points per game while Struve is also in double figures at 11 points per contest.