OTAHKS TRY TO REGAIN MOMENTUM AFTER LOSS

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- Southeast Missouri State University's women's basketball team had its momentum temporarily halted Thursday night with an 82-75 loss at Middle Tennessee.

The Otahkians have an opportunity to regain that momentum tonight -- but they certainly face a tall order.

In Tennessee Tech, Southeast's opponent in a 5:45 p.m. tipoff at the Eblen Center, the Otahkians will be facing one of the Ohio Valley Conference's perennial powers. The Golden Eaglettes shared last year's OVC title and were picked as the preseason favorite this year.

"They're an excellent team with all kinds of tradition," said Southeast coach Ed Arnzen.

Southeast, the surprise team of the league so far after being tabbed for eighth in the preseason poll, remained in first place despite Thursday's loss. The Otahkians, 9-3 overall, are 4-1 in OVC play. Tech, Middle Tennessee and Tennessee-Martin are all one-half game behind at 3-1.

Tech, 7-5 overall, boasts the OVC's top center in 6-foot-2 Diane Seng. She also stars in volleyball and was named the 1997-98 OVC Female Athlete of the Year.

"We knew this was going to be a really tough road trip and it definitely doesn't get any easier," said Arnzen. "Tech has a great inside game with the premier center in the league. We don't think their guards are as good as they've been in the past, but we can't let Seng dominate, which she's capable of doing."

Southeast got off to a horrible start Thursday and, despite a big rally, could not quite get over the hump. The Otahkians trailed by 14 points at halftime but pulled to within two points late before falling short.

Senior guard Rusty Sowers paced the Otahkians offensively with 22 points, 19 coming in the second half. Tajuana White added 13 points while Pam Iversen scored 11.

Following tonight's game, the Otahkians will return home to take on Austin Peay Tuesday night. That will be the start of a three-game homestand for Southeast next week.