OTAHKS LOSE FOURTH STRAIGHT IN OVERTIME

ITTA BENA, Miss. -- The losing streak for Southeast Missouri State University's women's basketball team reached four games Monday night, thanks to a 69-63 overtime loss to host Mississippi Valley State.

Southeast, which fell to 2-5, held a 29-19 halftime lead and the Otahkians were ahead 53-50 in the closing moments.

But MVSU's Latasha Thomas hit a 3-pointer with 20 seconds left for a 53-53 tie, which is the way regulation ended. The Devilettes then outscored the Otahkians 16-10 in the extra session to pick up their first win of the season after two losses.

Lori Chase paced the Otahkians offensively with 14 points. Also in double figures were Veronica Benson with 12 points and LaShelle Porter with 11. Tisa Thomas added nine.

Latasha Thomas led the Devilettes with 20 points as she hit six of 10 3-pointers, including three in overtime. Letesha King followed with 16 points.

The Otahkians were hampered by 28 turnovers. The Devilettes also had their share of turnovers as they committed 24.

Southeast will look to get back on the winning track Wednesday when Division II Oakland City comes to the Show Me Center for a 7 p.m. tipoff.