TRIBE TAKES ROLLER COASTER RIDE TO THE TOP

Editor's note: Southeast Missouri State's Indians, 10-3 overall and 1-1 in the Missouri Intercollegiate Athletic Association, play at Missouri Southern tonight and host Missouri Western Saturday night.

This past week has been a roller coaster ride for the Southeast basketball Indians. We experienced a very tough loss at UMSL (85-67) and a very good win at home against Central Missouri (81-77).

It was difficult to believe the same team played both nights. About the only positive thing in St. Louis was the support of our fans. It has been a long time since a Southeast team played so poorly.

The big factor was our 31 turnovers. It is almost impossible to win under those conditions. We turned that statistic around Saturday night against Central with only five turnovers for the game. What a difference a night makes.

When a team isn't playing well, there are normally many areas that need improvement. In other words, as a coach, you must fix the different problems.

The problem you run into is the time factor. You can't work on all the problems in one day. You must take each problem and repair it and then move on the next day to another area. Hopefully you can get them taken care of before you get hurt again.

This is the approach our staff has taken. Tough competition, such as MIAA opponents, will focus on your weaknesses. We have worked hard to improve.

Another tough week is upon our team as we travel to Missouri Southern tonight and play Missouri Western at home Saturday night. Southern is 2-0 in the conference and playing very well. It will take a tremendous effort to win in Joplin.

Western is one of the premier teams in the conference this year. They are 2-0 in the conference and 11-1 overall. I think that's enough said about that fine team. It doesn't get any easier.

Thanks to the many fans who traveled to St. Louis. I certainly appreciated your support. I would love to see another sellout Saturday against Western. Wear your red and help us against this great team.