Otahks hang on after MSU rally

What looked like a blowout early turned into a battle for Southeast Missouri State University's women.

But all that mattered to coach Ed Arnzen was that the Otahkians were able to post their second straight victory, 72-64 over Murray State at the Show Me Center Saturday night.

"It's a huge win," Arnzen said. "We've won two in a row now and we've got a little momentum going. Hopefully we can keep it going."

The Otahkians, 14-11 overall, moved into sole possession of fifth place in the Ohio Valley Conference at 6-8. The Lady Racers fell to 10-14, 5-9.

Southeast started fast and built a 29-14 lead with six minutes left in the first half. But MSU closed the period with a 16-4 run to pull within 33-30 at the intermission.

MSU tied it at 42-42 early in the second half, and the Lady Racers pulled into two more ties, at 44 and 52. But they were never able to take the lead.

Tisa Thomas came off the bench and gave the Otahkians a big lift when the game was up for grabs. The sophomore center scored 10 straight Southeast points during one stretch midway through the final half to help keep the Lady Racers at bay.

"Whatever the team needs, I try to give," Thomas said. "It felt good to hit those shots."

After MSU forged its final deadlock at 52-52 with 8:55 remaining, the Otahkians began to take control for good as Veronica Benson scored five straight points. She made one of two free throws, got a steal and layup and then hit a driving shot as Southeast went ahead 57-52.

Benson, a senior guard, had a personal cheering section at the Show Me Center as more than 50 relatives and friends made the trip to Cape Girardeau from her home town of Alexander City, Ala., on a chartered bus.

"My parents came, plus some relatives and a few friends," Benson said with a smile. "It was nice to have them here."

The Otahkians went on to build a late 12-point lead and then coasted home.

Lori Chase led Southeast offensively with 20 points. Benson had 16 and Thomas added 14.

Eniko Verebes and Beth Schnakenberg both scored 13 points for the Lady Racers. Stacey Holmes had 11.

"There was a time in the first half where we played as good a basketball as we have all year, led by our defense," Arnzen said. "But with the 3-point line, those leads can melt quick. We not only lost the lead, we lost the momentum and let them tie it.

"But Tisa came in and gave us a bunch of firepower and we had other people make big plays."

mmishow@semissourian.com

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