Southeast Missouri State Cruises Past Morehead State 82-70

Southeast Missouri State delivered a strong performance at the Show Me Center, defeating Morehead State 82-70. The Redhawks' victory was fueled by BJ Ward's 21 points, which set the tone for the team's dominant showing. Ward's impressive outing was complemented by Braxton Stacker's double-double, consisting of 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Brendan Terry's 13 points. This well-rounded attack allowed Southeast Missouri State to take control of the game from the outset.

At halftime, Southeast Missouri State held a commanding 43-29 lead, with Ward already having scored 12 points. The Redhawks' strong first-half performance was a reflection of their ability to execute their game plan effectively. Morehead State, on the other hand, struggled to find its rhythm, with Jon Carroll's 7 points and 5 rebounds being a rare bright spot. Despite a stronger second-half effort from the Eagles, Southeast Missouri State maintained its lead, outscoring Morehead State 39-41 in the final 20 minutes.

Carroll finished the game with 15 points and 8 rebounds, a notable performance in a losing effort. However, his efforts were not enough to overcome the balanced attack of Southeast Missouri State. The Redhawks' ability to distribute the ball effectively and capitalize on scoring opportunities ultimately was the difference-maker.

CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Southeast Missouri State winning by 8.7 points, and the Redhawks exceeded that margin with a 12-point victory. The actual score of 82-70 was close to the predicted score of 79-70, demonstrating the accuracy of the prediction. This outcome reinforces the notion that Southeast Missouri State is a formidable opponent, capable of dominating games against comparable foes.

The implications of this result are significant for both teams' tournament resumes. For Southeast Missouri State, this win counts as a Quadrant 4 victory, which, although not particularly impressive, still contributes to the team's overall record. With a current net ranking of 232, the Redhawks must continue performing well to bolster their tournament chances. On the other hand, Morehead State's loss is classified as a Quadrant 3 defeat, which may not be overly detrimental to its resume. However, with a net ranking of 280, the Eagles must string together some wins to improve their standing.

In the end, Southeast Missouri State's convincing victory over Morehead State serves as a reflection of the team's capabilities. While this win may not be a marquee victory, it demonstrates the Redhawks' ability to take care of business against lesser opponents. As the season progresses, Southeast Missouri State must build upon this performance to make a strong case for tournament consideration.