Senior Dainmon Gonner didn't make trip after violating policy

Southeast Missouri State University opened up its three-game exhibition trip to Canada by splitting a pair of games with Brock University Saturday in Niagara Falls.

The Indians opened the day with a 91-47 win, but fell 82-73 in the second game with Brock.

Dainmon Gonner, a 6-foot-6 senior forward who tied for second in scoring on last year's squad, was left in Cape Girardeau for violating undisclosed team policy. Gonner averaged 12.3 points and 5.6 rebounds last season.

Reggie Golson led Southeast in the opener with a 20-point, eight-rebound performance. Golson scored 16 of his 20 in the first half, as Southeast built a 45-27 lead.

A 21-8 run to start the second half buried Brock, which returned all five starters from a 24-13 squad last season.

All five Southeast starters were in double figures led by Golson. Derek Winans followed with 17 points, Ketschner Guerrier had 13 and Terrick Willoughby and Brett Hale had 10 apiece. Waylon Francis led Southeast with 10 rebounds.

The second game saw Brock jump out to a 54-25 halftime lead and held off a late Southeast charge. Southeast closed within 78-71 with 40 seconds remaining.

Golson again led Southeast with 24 points and eight rebounds. Guerrier had 12 points and five rebounds. Willoughby and Winans had 10 points apiece.

Southeast coach Gary Garner said Gonner's disciplinary suspension will be over once the squad returns from Canada on Monday and he will be able to participate in all other team functions from that point on.

Also not making the trip to Canada was junior college transfer point guard Ryan Belcher, whose eligibility for this season is in question. Garner said it will likely be several weeks before Belcher's eligibility status is determined.