SEMO men’s basketball hangs on for a win against EIU

Southeast Missouri State men’s basketball team defeated Eastern Illinois on Saturday, Feb. 5, 63-56. It was the second and final matchup of the year between the two schools.

SEMO started the game strong on both sides of the ball, allowing only 15 points and led by as many as 22 points in the first half.

The Redhawks went into halftime with a 19-point lead, but they saw that lead quickly disappear in the final 10 minutes of the game. EIU made 11 three-pointers in the second half and forced SEMO to turn the ball over 10 times.

Head coach Brad Korn said the reason for the second half struggles was turnovers and poor rebounding.

“I thought with the second half turnovers and rebounding we just allowed them to find a little rhythm for themselves offensively and then we weren’t getting what we wanted on the offensive side,” Korn said.

The Redhawks were led by junior guard Eric Reed Jr., who had a game high 21 points with five three-pointers. Coach Korn had high praise for Reed Jr., who made a few clutch shots late in the game.

“There’s a difference between a house dog and a street dog, and Eric is one of those street dogs. He’s so determined, ever since he got here he has worked extremely hard. Every single day he’s so consistent,” Korn said.

SEMO also moved the ball well, assisting on 16 of their 23 made shots. Freshman guard Phillip Russell and junior guard Chris Harris tied for the team lead with four assists each.

Reed Jr. acknowledged the high assists total and explained how much the game slows down when they move the ball as well as they did.

“It's easy once you move the ball and you get the defense strung out,” Reed Jr. said. “You get more open drives, more kick out threes, and all types of shots are wide open.”

The Redhawks improve to 5-5 in conference play and 10-13 overall. Their next game is on Monday, Feb. 7 on the road against SIUE.