OTAHKS HOLD OVC REINS

Southeast Missouri State University's women's basketball team holds its destiny in its own hands. If the Otahkians win their last three regular-season games, they will be crowned Ohio Valley Conference champions.

Otahkian coach Ed Arnzen likes that kind of scenario. But he also realizes it will be difficult to accomplish.

"It's in our own hands and that's exciting," he said. "But we've got three tough games left and two of them are on the road. It's certainly not going to be easy for us."

The first-place Otahkians start off their closing stretch tonight with a 5:30 game against Murray State at the new Regional Special Events Center in Murray, Ky.

Saturday, the Otahkians will play at Tennessee-Martin, which is one of the teams still seriously chasing Southeast. But Arnzen doesn't even want to think about the Skyhawks just yet.

"This is a critical game," he said of tonight's contest. "I've been concerned about this game for a while."

Southeast, riding a four-game winning streak, is 17-6 overall and 12-3 in OVC play. Three teams tied for second -- Tennessee-Martin, Middle Tennessee and Tennessee Tech -- are all 10-4 and 1 1/2 games behind the Otahkians. That trio of squads all have four games remaining.

Murray State, 7-15 overall and 6-8 in OVC play, is in seventh place and the Lady Racers are trying to hold off Austin Peay in the battle for eighth place while also looking to move up in the standings.

The top eight finishers in the final league standings earn berths in the postseason tournament. Murray State is two games ahead of eighth-place Austin Peay and the Lady Racers are just 1 1/2 games out of fifth place.

"They still have a lot to play for, just like we do," Arnzen said. "They're a good team and they're going to be difficult to beat on their court."

Bobbi Coltharp, a dangerous outside shooter, is the Lady Racers' top scorer with 15.3 points per game.

Murray State also has two of the premier rebounds in the OVC in Danelle Watts and Monica Gadson.

"They've got the two best rebounders in the conference and we're not a real good rebounding team, so that has me concerned," said Arnzen. "Coltharp is a very good outside shooter and Heather Bates, a juco kid, has really improved their team.

"Murray has played very well at home. They've only lost three home games in the conference and those were to Tech, Middle and Martin all by just a few points."

Arnzen believes the Otahkians will need to win their final three regular-season games in order to bring home the OVC championship.

"We'd love to run the table and I feel like that's what we'll have to do to win the title," he said. "It's going to be tough, but it's also exciting, knowing the opportunity we have."