SE HOOPS: 'TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY; OTAHKS A WIN SHY OF LAST YEAR

Southeast Missouri State University women's basketball coach Ed Arnzen couldn't have asked for a better early Christmas present from his players.

The Otahkians, who don't play again until Jan. 2, will carry a 7-2 overall record -- including a five-game winning streak -- and a 2-0 Ohio Valley Conference mark into the holidays.

Southeast's 7-2 record marks their best start since the 1990-91 season, the Otahkians' last in Division II. Southeast finished second in the Division II national tournament that year.

"They've given me probably the best Christmas present I could have hoped for," said Arnzen. "It's definitely going to be an extra enjoyable holiday season."

With seven wins, the Otahkians are just one victory away from matching their total all of last season.

Southeast also started 2-0 in the OVC a year ago -- but Arnzen pointed out one notable difference.

"When we started out 2-0 in the OVC last year, both those wins were at home," he said. "For us to be 2-0 on the road and to have won five straight games tells a lot about this team.

"I am just tickled to death with this club because they have played so hard all year."

Saturday's 69-55 victory at Austin Peay featured a strong performance by freshman center Reagan Hughston, last season's Missouri State Player of the Year as she helped lead West Plains to the Class 4A title. Hughston scored 10 points and grabbed nine rebounds.

"I hoped Reagan would become more aggressive when the OVC season rolled around and she certainly has," Arnzen said. "She has tremendous ability."

The Otahkians have three players averaging in double figures offensively: junior guard/forward Paula Corder (14.8 ppg), freshman center Pam Iversen (12.0 ppg) and senior guard Rusty Sowers (10.8 ppg).

Sowers led the victory over Austin Peay with 17 points.

Southeast has excelled from the free-throw line, shooting an OVC-best 75 percent as a team. Iversen has not missed in 24 attempts while Corder is 37 of 41 for 90 percent.

Another impressive statistic for the Otahkians so far this season is their road record of 3-1. Southeast was a dismal 2-23 on the road the past two seasons.

Although the Otahkians have yet to play the OVC's top teams, Arnzen believes they'll have a chance to beat anybody they run up against.

"If we play well, I believe we can beat anybody in the league. I don't think it would take a huge upset," he said.

The Otahkians will return to action Jan. 2 when they play host to Eastern Kentucky, last year's OVC co-champion.

"It's going to be good for the players to have the opportunity to be with their families for a while over the holidays," said Arnzen. "Hopefully we'll pick up the second semester right where we left off."