OTAHKS TOTE DULL AX INTO OPENER

Sure, Christian Brothers University is only a Division II school. And last season the Lady Bucs basketball team wasn't exactly a juggernaut, as evidenced by their 7-20 record.

But what occurred two seasons ago still sticks in Southeast Missouri State coach Ed Arnzen's craw. So don't expect the Otahkians to take the visitors from Memphis, Tenn., lightly in both teams' season opener tonight at 5:30 in the Show Me Center.

In 1996, Southeast welcomed Christian Brothers to Cape Girardeau to kick off the season. The Lady Bucs refused their role as fodder for a Southeast win and surprised the Otahkians, 73-57. CBU has beaten Southeast six times in the teams' 10 meetings.

"I know we can't overlook them," said Southeast coach Ed Arnzen. "Two years ago they came in here and beat us, and they said it was their biggest win in school history. I haven't forgotten that."

Arnzen also hasn't suppressed the agonizing recollections from Southeast's past two seasons, in which it posted records of 5-21 and 8-19. So the significance of a victory as an initial step toward sunnier times surely isn't lost on the coach.

"It's really important we start off with a win," he said, "especially against a Division II team that we should beat." The two losing seasons were "tough on everybody associated with the program, but I believe we have a chance to be a lot better this year."

Southeast won its two exhibition games on the strength of its 3-point shooting. After an 88-76 victory over Goldstar Gym on Nov. 1, the Otahkians made 11 of 27 3-pointers in a 78-76 win Monday over Latvia.

Southeast's leading returner is senior guard Rusty Sowers, who averaged 10.5 points last season. Forward Tajuana White and guard Moneik Campbell averaged 8.8 and 7.8 points, respectively.

Newcomers in the starting lineup are 6-foot-3 freshman center Pam Iverson and junior forward Paula Corder, a transfer from Three Rivers Community College.

Christian Brothers' Lisa Harper, a 5-10 junior, was the team's second leading scorer last season with 17.2 points per game. Forward Taneisha Lenon averaged 12.9 points and guard Annie Bushue contributed 10.3.

"I know it's going to be a big game for them," Arnzen said. "It always is when a Division II team has the chance to play a Division I team."