SEMO Falls Short Against Little Rock in Tight OVC Matchup

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — Southeast Missouri State women’s basketball came up just short in a Ohio Valley Conference matchup, falling 67-63 to Little Rock on Tuesday night at the Show Me Center.

The Redhawks (4-12, 2-5 OVC) led 38-31 at halftime, fueled by a standout performance from guard Zoe Best. Best finished with 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting, including 4-of-8 from three-point range.

Little Rock (8-8,  6-1 OVC), sitting third in the OVC standings, capitalized on second-half opportunities and moved into second place in the OVC with the victory.

Despite the loss, SEMO head coach Briley Palmer saw progress.

“It’s better than the other night. We’re moving in the right direction,” Palmer says. *”I just think those little things kill you. Offensive rebounding, turnovers, and free throws hurt us. They shot 28, we shot 12. But we’re going to be a dangerous team if we stay disciplined.”

Newcomer Da’Kariya Jackson agrees with Palmer’s concerns, discussing rebounding as a key factor in the loss.

“At the end, we gave up four offensive rebounds, and that cost us the game,” Jackson says.

Best, who led SEMO in scoring, remains confident in the team’s progression.

“We’re really putting the pieces together. When it hits, it’s going to hit,” she says.

The Redhawks return to action on Thursday when they travel to Tennessee Tech, looking to bounce back in OVC play.