Redhawks start slow in final tuneup

~ Southeast opens the season Friday at nationally ranked Texas Tech.

The Southeast Missouri State women wrapped up their two-game exhibition schedule with another blowout.

Now it's on to Texas Tech.

The Redhawks had their final tuneup for the nationally ranked Red Raiders, routing Division II Christian Brothers University 85-41 Saturday night at the Show Me Center.

Southeast, which beat Division II Southern Illinois-Edwardsville by 50 points on Nov. 5 in its exhibition opener, tips off the season Friday night at 13th-ranked Texas Tech.

"We still have a lot to work on, but we're really anxious about going to Texas Tech," senior forward Natalie Purcell said.

Southeast coach B.J. Smith had mixed feelings about Saturday's contest. The Redhawks let the visitors from Memphis, Tenn., hang around in the first half as Southeast led just 32-24.

But the Redhawks scored the first 14 points of the second half on their way to a 53-17 advantage in the period.

"I was really disappointed with our first-half rhythm. We didn't have any," Smith said. "I thought we lacked effort and focus.

"But I was really pleased with our second half. It was the first time so far that we've really had that defensive intensity that we're going to have to have."

Senior forward/center Tatiana Conceicao, the reigning Ohio Valley Conference player of the year, poured in 26 points and pulled down 12 rebounds.

Freshman guard Tarina Nixon had her second straight solid exhibition performance with 13 points.

"Tarina is a good player. She is so skilled," Smith said.

Purcell added 12 points, while junior college transfer center Lachelle Lyles scored six points and grabbed 11 rebounds, as Southeast dominated the boards 56-35.

"She will go get a rebound," said Smith of Lyles, who had seven offensive rebounds.

Freshman guard Chytearra Kintchen led the Redhawks in assists with four and steals with five. Southeast forced 32 turnovers and was credited with 19 steals.

"We were a little slow, a little shaky, in the first half," Purcell said. "But we picked it up in the second half."

Jessica Plunkett and Erin Nigh both scored 10 points for Christian Brothers.