Redhawks' bubble may not burst

~ Southeast plays three of its final four OVC games at home as it fights for a spot in the conference tournament.

The Southeast Missouri State men's basketball team hopes to get back on track with what appears to be a favorable closing schedule.

Southeast, in a major struggle to make the Ohio Valley Conference tournament, plays three of its final four league games at home.

None of the Redhawks' final four conference opponents is higher than fifth in the current OVC standings, and two hold down the bottom spots in the 11-team league.

"I like the fact we do finish with three of four at home," Southeast coach Scott Edgar said. "But you can't take anybody lightly."

The Redhawks (12-14, 7-9), who have lost nine of their last 10 games, are tied with Tennessee State for eighth place in the OVC. The top eight finishers qualify for the league tournament.

Even though the Redhawks are on the bubble for a tournament spot, they are only one game on the loss side removed from fifth place.

Edgar believes that since the OVC is so balanced, any team that makes the tournament has a legitimate chance to come away with the title and earn the league's automatic NCAA berth.

The key is to not be left out of the tournament field.

"You can't win the race until you get to the line," Edgar said.

Southeast hosts 10th-place Eastern Illinois (4-20, 3-13) on Thursday night, then visits fifth-place Tennessee-Martin (13-14, 9-8) on Saturday night in the Redhawks' final OVC road game.

The Redhawks close out their OVC schedule with two home dates, Feb. 28 against seventh-place Samford (11-13, 8-8) and March 1 against last-place Jacksonville State (4-20, 2-14).

Southeast is tied with Tennessee State for the remaining tournament spot. When looking at the Tigers' remaining schedule, the Redhawks appear to have an advantage.

Tennessee State closes with home games against first-place Austin Peay and second-place Murray State, along with road contests against third-place Eastern Kentucky and fourth-place Morehead State.

Southeast owns wins over three of its final four OVC opponents, the lone exception being a 19-point home loss to Tennessee-Martin less than two weeks ago.

The Redhawks needed last-second shots to win by a point at both Samford and Jacksonville State. They posted an 11-point triumph at Eastern Illinois.

"We just have to go home and get this thing turned back around," senior center Mike Rembert said following the Redhawks' most recent loss, Saturday's 80-69 overtime setback at Eastern Kentucky.

Rembert did all he could in that game, tying a season high with 17 points and grabbing a career-high 19 rebounds. That matches the top rebounding total in the OVC this season.

"Mike had a great individual performance," Edgar said. "He was extremely determined."

Despite their slide since starting OVC play 6-0, Edgar believes the Redhawks have started to right the ship in their performances. Except they don't have the wins to show for it.

In four of their last five losses, the Redhawks were in position late to post victories.

Southeast lost by four points at home to Morehead State, by one point at Murray State, was tied at Morehead State with under 4 minutes left and then Saturday saw Eastern Kentucky hit a 3-pointer with seven-tenths of a second remaining to force overtime.

Edgar believes the Redhawks finally have adjusted to the loss of senior forward Brandon Foust, their top all-around player who has missed the last eight games after suffering a season-ending knee injury.

"I do think finally, except for the Tennessee-Martin game, that this team has developed some identity and learned to play without Brandon," Edgar said. "Now the next step for this program is late-game situations. Go ahead and bow your neck, be tough enough to finish the process. We've got to finish, and finish consistently."

Glenn earns honor

Southeast women's basketball player Crysta Glenn was named the OVC newcomer of the week Monday.

Glenn, a 5-10 junior forward, averaged 10.5 points and 14 rebounds a game in the Redhawks' two contests last week.

Glenn ranks second on the team with six rebounds and 6.3 points per game.