SEMO defense, bench points huge in win over Lindenwood

The SEMO women’s basketball team defeated the Lindenwood Lions 80-63 on Thursday at the Show Me Center. The Redhawks (5-10, 2-2 OVC) used tough defense and excellent shooting to defeat the in-state rivals.

SEMO was led by junior Jaliyah Green who scored 16 points in the victory behind 54% shooting. Alecia Doyle, Kiyley Flowers and Amiyah Buchanan scored in double figures as well. Green said her teammates' ability to make shots helped her become open for her shots.

“My teammates did pretty well themselves as far as shooting the ball well and knocking down shots,” Green said. “As for the other team, they focused on my teammates which allowed me to shoot whatever I wanted.”

Outside of Green, the bench of the Redhawks was a vital part of the victory, with 31 points coming from reserve players. SEMO head coach Rekha Patterson said she is glad to have bench players who are starter-caliber.

“We feel like we do have some depth and the more they see their opportunities, the more time they put in at the gym then they feel really good about their opportunities out there on the floor,” Patterson said. “But I thought everybody contributed in some way.”

Southeast Missouri State's Daejah Richmond handles the ball while being guarded by Lindendwood's Celina Arnlund on Thursday, Jan. 11, at the Show Me Center. Tony Capobianco ~ tcapobianco@semoball.com

After Lindenwood struck first for the 2-0 lead, SEMO quickly took back the lead and never looked back. Green had eight first-quarter points while the Lions knocked down a few threes to keep the lead from getting to high. The Redhawks held an 18-12 lead after the first quarter.

SEMO played tough defense throughout the second quarter, forcing the Lions into multiple turnovers and scoring on the other end. The Redhawks led 40-27 at the half, Patterson said since Lindenwood is so versatile on offense their defense had to be disciplined.

“I thought we did a good job of being disciplined for 30 seconds. We didn't foul a lot like we had been doing earlier when there was less than 10 on the shot clock,” Patterson said. “I thought we stayed locked in and we changed defenses when needed. We were together, trying to keep them off balance and we stayed we were aware of their players and their personnel.”

The second half of the game passed with zero drama as the Redhawks got whatever they wanted on offense and completely shut Lindenwood down on defense. SEMO soared to the 17-point victory and their second Ohio Valley Conference win.

The Redhawks will next travel to Tennessee Tech on Saturday to take on the Golden Eagles at 1 p.m.