Otahks look for end to four-game slump

RICHMOND, Ky. -- Southeast Missouri State University's women have lost four straight games -- and finding a wing certainly won't get any easier for the Otahkians today.

In fact, it could be a lot tougher as they battle Eastern Kentucky, one of the Ohio Valley Conference's hottest teams.

The Otahkians (12-10 overall, 4-7 OVC) and Lady Colonels (17-5, 9-2) square off in a 4:30 p.m. tipoff at McBrayer Arena. Southeast is tied with Murray State for fifth place in the nine-team league while EKU is tied with Tennessee Tech for first place.

"They are the most talented team in the league," Southeast coach Ed Arnzen said. "When they put it together, they're really tough to beat."

Southeast got a look at EKU's talent Jan. 10 at the Show Me Center when the Lady Colonels had control throughout and blistered the Otahkians 94-67.

"They put it together at our place. They really put on a show that night," Arnzen recalled. "It's going to be very difficult for us. They have size, speed, good outside shooting, the whole package.

"But Murray State went in there and won. Why can't we?"

The Lady Colonels feature the OVC's most explosive team as they lead the league in scoring with more than 81 points per games. They have topped 90 points nine times and broken 100 twice.

"They play pressure defense all over the court and run whenever they get the ball," said Arnzen. "They have some tremendous athletes. It seems like they can all run and they can all shoot the ball."

EKU features a deep roster, with four players averaging in double figures. Katie Kelly leads a balanced offense with nearly 13 points per game.

For Southeast, junior forward Lori Chase is closing in on a milestone. After scoring 23 points during Thursday's loss at Morehead State, she needs six points to become the 13th Otahkian with 1,000 career points.

Chase, a first-team all-OVC selection last year, is Southeast's leading scorer with just over 16 points per game.

mmishow@semissourian.com

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