Redhawks complete exhibition schedule tonight

~ Former Southeast assistant Sam Weaver brings his Henderson State team to town

The Southeast Missouri State men's basketball team will look to finish off a sweep of its two-game exhibition schedule against a squad coached by one of the program's former assistants.

Sam Weaver brings his Henderson State club to the Show Me Center tonight, with the tipoff set for 7 p.m.

Weaver was a Southeast assistant for six seasons from 1981 through 1987 under Ron Shumate. Weaver recruited many of the players that helped Southeast finish second in the 1985-86 Division II national tournament and was inducted into the university's athletic hall of fame.

"I've known him for a long time. He's a very well respected coach around the country," Southeast coach Dickey Nutt said. "He's a good guy and he'll bring a competitive team in here."

Southeast opened exhibition play with Saturday's 80-71 win over Ouachita Baptist, like Henderson State a Division II program from Arkadelphia, Ark.

Nutt was pleased with some aspects of the Redhawks' performance but disappointed with others, including their 26 turnovers and the way they finished the contest.

The Redhawks led by 26 points midway through the second half before allowing the Tigers to cut into the margin significantly.

"We want to make sure we keep climbing that mountain," said Nutt, whose team opens the season Saturday night at Alabama-Birmingham. "We have to have more of a sense of urgency.

"We've improved our talent, but that doesn't mean you're a better team. We've got to be a lot better if we're going to be a competitive basketball team."

Henderson State played its first exhibition Monday, losing 71-53 at Arkansas State.

The Reddies went 8-19 last season, including 1-13 in the Gulf South Conference. They lost their top three scorers, with their leading returning scorer being junior guard Jeff Shelton. He averaged 9.2 points per game a year ago.

KaJuan Watson, a junior guard/forward who saw limited action for Southeast as a walk-on last year, now plays for the Reddies after transferring.

"I'm sure he'll come in here and try to score 30 points against us," Nutt said.