Redhawks open with loss to the Lobos

Things went well for the Southeast Missouri State men's basketball team during the first 10 minutes of Friday night's season opener in Albuquerque, N.M.

But New Mexico had its way over the final 30 minutes as the heavily favored Lobos blasted the Redhawks 102-59.

Southeast led 16-11 eight minutes into the game, and the squads were tied 20-20 with just over nine minutes to go in the first half.

The Lobos then took control, building a 46-31 halftime lead and outscoring the undermanned Redhawks 56-28 in the final half.

"We started off well. We were making shots, we were defending," Southeast acting coach Zac Roman said. "Then it just got away from us. We were missing some shots.

"They came out real strong in the second half. They're good. They have some good players inside and out."

Southeast knew it would be down to eight available scholarship players as junior forward Calvin Williams serves a suspension for the first two games of the season.

But unexpectedly joining Williams on the bench in street clothes was junior guard Jimmy Drew. Roman did not give a reason for Drew's benching.

"It's internal right now," Roman said. "Hopefully we'll get him back [Sunday at Kansas State]. It just remains to be seen. I haven't decided yet."

All seven of Southeast's available scholarship players saw at least 17 minutes of action, with junior point guard Bijon Jones playing all 40 minutes.

Senior forward Jaycen Herring, who played 35 minutes, led Southeast with a game-high 21 points. Nobody else on the squad scored more than nine points.

"Our guys were gassed at the end," said Roman, who added that he was pleased with the Redhawks' effort. "It's tough, especially when you're playing a good level of competition like that."

New Mexico, which went 24-9 last year and returned four starters, had six players score in double figures. Tony Danridge led the way with 16 points.

Leading 46-31 at halftime, the Lobos opened the second half with a 22-3 run to go up 68-34 and turn the contest into a blowout.

Southeast shot 31.1 percent from the field while New Mexico shot 54.9 percent. The Lobos outrebounded the smaller Redhawks 49-33. Southeast had 18 turnovers compared to 12 for the Lobos.

"We're going to grow from it," Roman said. "We've got to bounce back, have a good day [of practice] tomorrow and come out and compete hard at Kansas State."

Things don't get any easier for the Redhawks in Sunday's 2 p.m. contest that is part of the Las Vegas Invitational.

Kansas State is coming off a 21-12 season that featured a third-place Big 12 Conference record of 10-6 and an NCAA tournament berth.

The Wildcats lost their top two players to the NBA, including No. 2 overall draft pick Michael Beasley, but still should be formidable.

Kansas State opened its season Friday with a 96-57 rout of Florida A&M.

"They're going to be good," Roman said. "It's going to be a tough game."