Third Redhawks team member injured

The injury news keeps getting worse for the Southeast Missouri State women's basketball team.

Two of the Redhawks' key players are already likely lost for the remainder of the season.

And now another of Southeast's key performers will miss some action.

Coach John Ishee said Tuesday that freshman forward Bailie Roberts won't play Thursday when Southeast hosts Tennessee-Martin. And she could also miss Saturday's home game against Murray State.

Roberts, Southeast's No. 2 scorer and top 3-point shooter, has a foot injury. X-rays showed no break, but an MRI was performed Tuesday. Results aren't in yet.

"She's in a [walking] boot," Ishee said. "I know she won't play Thursday, and probably not Saturday."

Ishee said Roberts injured the foot some time during the first half of Saturday's 43-41 win at Eastern Kentucky, although she continued to play.

"They X-rayed it and it's not broken, but it swelled up so they took an MRI just to make sure," Ishee said. "I just think it's bruised. Best case, hopefully she'll just miss these two games this week.

"But it comes at the worst time because these are two really big games."

Roberts is averaging 8.4 points per game. She leads the Redhawks in 3-pointers made and 3-point accuracy, having hit 16 of 42 for 38.1 percent. She ranks fifth in the Ohio Valley Conference in 3-point percentage.

The Redhawks are already without leading scorer Jasmine Davis and third-leading scorer Lauren Sharpe, who have missed the past three games.

Davis, a freshman guard, is out for the season with a knee injury. Sharpe, a junior wing, is also likely out for the rest of the year with back problems.

Davis was averaging 10 points, while Sharpe was averaging 7.2 points and leading the Redhawks in steals with 23.

"It's unfortunate we've had these injuries, but it's just part of it," Ishee said. "We still have to play the games."

Butler still hobbling

Southeast men's coach Dickey Nutt said junior forward Cameron Butler probably will miss his third straight game when the Redhawks host Tennessee-Martin Thursday. His status for Saturday's contest with powerful Murray State also is questionable.

Butler, Southeast's No. 2 scorer and rebounder, has a foot injury. He is averaging 9.2 points and 5.5 rebounds.

"He really wants to play, but he's walking around in a lot of pain," Nutt said. "If I had to guess, I would say he won't [play Thursday]."

Junior guard Sam Pearson, Southeast's No. 4 scorer and assists leader, also is battling a foot problem but continues to play despite being limited during practice.

Pearson is averaging 8.6 points and has 39 assists.