SOUTHEAST SENIORS TO PLAY KEY ROLES DOWN STRETCH

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Senior leadership will play a critical role in Southeast Missouri State's bid for a host berth in the Missouri Intercollegiate Athletic Association playoffs.

"I'm calling upon our seniors to show the kind of leadership it takes to keep a winning streak together," said Shumate, whose squad has won three of its last four games.

The top eight teams advance to the MIAA post-season tournament. But the top four teams host first round games March 5. The four winners advance to the common site of the highest remaining seed for the semifinals and final March 8-9.

The Indians are tied for fifth place in the current MIAA league standings with Washburn, each team at 5-3.

Southwest Baptist is the only unbeaten team in the conference at 8-0.

Missouri Western, coming off a 92-66 drubbing at the hands of Central Missouri last Saturday, is now 7-1 and tied with CMSU for second.

Missouri-St. Louis is in fourth place at 6-2. But the Rivermen still have the toughest portion of their schedule ahead of them. UMSL must play at Rolla Wednesday, then hosts Central Missouri and Southwest Baptist. The Rivermen conclude their MIAA regular season schedule against Missouri Western.

Senior center Thomas Thames led by example last Saturday, scoring 21 points and grabbing 18 rebounds to lead the Indians past Missouri-Rolla 70-59.

"Without the kind of game Thomas had, we wouldn't have won," said Shumate.

Seniors Danny Dohogne and Mike Lewis also contributed against Rolla. Dohogne scored 16 points and grabbed six rebounds. Lewis chipped in with eight points and four rebounds. He also dished out five assists.

"It's imperative that we win out the rest of the home games and then keep the streak going on the road," said Shumate. "We can't afford to lose any of these next three games at home."

The Indians start the second half of a six-game home stand Wednesday night when they host Missouri Southern at the Show Me Center.

Southeast recorded an 84-66 decision over the Lions in a game Jan. 16 at Joplin.

On Saturday the Indians will host Northeast Missouri State and then close out the home stand with a game against Pittsburg State Feb. 13.

"It's hard to believe that our last home game of the regular season will be Feb. 13," said Shumate. "Our fans have been so supportive at home this year;, it's too bad for them that we have to go on the road for the last five regular season games."

Southeast has averaged 6,000-plus in MIAA games this season.

Shumate looks upon the last five road games as a challenge. "It will be good for us to play five on the road because it will give us the kind of challenge we need to make the playoffs," he said.

Southeast's depth at guard continues to be a problem. Rob Jones will be out indefinitely with a stress fracture to his foot.

"We're putting the foot in a protective boot today," said Shumate. "It could be that he will be lost for the season. It's just hard to tell right now."

Curtis Shelton is listed as doubtful for Wednesday's contest due to a strained back and bruised heel he sustained against Missouri-Rolla.

"If Curtis isn't able to go we'd have Johnnie Coleman at the point and then move Terrill Rolling into the two-guard spot behind Mike Lewis," said Shumate. Brandon Braswell will help spell Coleman, but Lewis may be called upon for emergency duty at the point.

"It just really creates a problem with our depth right now," said Shumate.