The SEMO women's basketball team has been an offensively-challenged squad for most of the season, relying mainly on defense to post another sensational record.

But the top-seeded Redhawks struggled more than normal on offense today in the semifinals of the OVC tournament as they lost 52-40 to fourth-seeded Eastern Illinois.

SEMO scored a season-low point total and shot a season-low 22.4 percent from the field (11-of-49).

The Redhawks also tied their season low by making just one 3-pointer, in 14 attempts (7.1 percent).

So SEMO's run of OVC tournament titles and NCAA tournament berths is over at two.

But the season is not over for the 23-8 Redhawks, who have captured three straight OVC regular-season crowns.

The Women's National Invitation Tournament issues berths to all regular-season conference champions that don't make the NCAA tournament.

So SEMO will get to play at least one more game.

The 48-team WNIT field will be announced March 17, after the NCAA field is set. First-round games at campus sites begin March 19.