Roberts' hot shooting helps Southeast women earn split

The Southeast Missouri State women's basketball team opened its season by splitting a pair of games at the Ole Miss Classic in Oxford, Miss.

Southeast beat Jackson State 55-37 in Saturday's third-place game at the four-team event.

That came after Sam Houston State knocked off the Redhawks 60-51 in Friday's opening round.

Sophomore forward Bailie Roberts scored 14 points to lead the Redhawks against Jackson State.

Roberts, who hit 2 of 3 from 3-point range, was named to the all-tournament team.

Sophomore guard/forward Katie Norman added 12 points for the Redhawks. Sophomore guard Erika Lane contributed nine points and seven rebounds.

After committing 30 turnovers against Sam Houston State, Southeast had only 12 turnovers against Jackson State.

Southeast led 30-25 at halftime and outscored Jackson State 25-12 in the second half.

In Friday's game, Sam Houston scored the first 13 points and Southeast fought an uphill battle the rest of the way.

Southeast, trailing 32-23 at halftime, scored the first nine points of the final period to forge a 32-32 tie. The Redhawks also pulled into a 34-34 deadlock but never could go ahead.

The Bearkats opened a 46-36 lead. Southeast cut the deficit to 47-46 with 5 minutes, 21 seconds left, but Sam Houston State ended the contest on a 13-5 burst.

Roberts led Southeast with 12 points. She added five rebounds and three steals.

Sophomore forward Brittany Harriel added eight points and eight rebounds.

The Redhawks play their home opener Wednesday night against 2009-10 NCAA tournament qualifier Northern Iowa.