OTAHKS FACING ANGRY EKU TEAM AFTER LOSS

RICHMOND, Ky. -- Southeast Missouri State University women's basketball coach Ed Arnzen figures his Otahkians will be running into a pretty angry team tonight.

Defending Ohio Valley Conference champion Eastern Kentucky, coming off a surprising 66-65 Saturday home loss to Eastern Illinois, will host the Otahkians in a 5:30 p.m. tipoff at McBrayer Coliseum.

EKU was the heavy OVC favorite entering the season, which makes the loss to Eastern Illinois -- particularly coming at home -- so stunning.

"That really was a big surprise," said Arnzen. "I really thought Eastern Kentucky is the class of the league and I'm sure they still are. I know they'll be angry when we play them."

EKU (7-3 overall, 2-1 OVC) and Southeast (4-6, 2-1) are in a three-way first-place league tie, along with Eastern Illinois.

"It's a big game for us," said Arnzen, whose squad suffered a 98-95 Saturday overtime loss at Morehead State. "But it's going to be extremely difficult to win on Eastern Kentucky's home court. We'll have to play extremely well to have a shot."

The Otahkians trailed by as many as 12 points against Morehead State before taking a late lead. However, the Lady Eagles hit a 3-pointer with 10 seconds left to force overtime and then went on to prevail.

"It's a game we could have won, but I'm not disappointed in our team," Arnzen said. "This group really plays hard. They gave a great effort."

Six players scored in double figures for the Otahkians, with sophomore center ChyAnne Kapitzke getting a career-high 22 points and also pulling down 11 rebounds.

Tajuana White had 20 points although she injured an ankle late in regulation.

Also in double figures were Jamie Koester (14), Dana Hawkins (13), Rusty Sowers (13) and Moneik Campbell (10).

"When Tajuana went out, that hurt us," said Arnzen. "Hopefully she'll be ready to play (tonight)."