OTAHKS FALL IN FINALE

CHARLESTON, Ill. -- Southeast Missouri State University's women's basketball team closed out its worst season ever under coach Ed Arnzen by losing 69-54 to host Eastern Illinois Saturday afternoon.

The Otahkians wound up the campaign 5-21 overall and 3-15 in Ohio Valley Conference play, which places them last in the 10-team league.

"It was an extremely disappointing season, to say the least," said Arnzen. "All we can do is try to put it behind us and rebound next year."

Kim Palmer, one of two seniors for the Otahkians, had a big game to close out her Southeast career. The 6-foot center scored 22 points and grabbed eight rebounds.

No other player scored more than seven points for the Otahkians.

EIU (12-14 overall, 8-10 OVC) got 24 points from Barbora Garbova, 17 from Allison Lee and 13 from Sarah Probst.

The Otahkians led 25-23 at halftime but were outscored 46-29 in the second half.