SEMO rallies to beat upset-minded Missouri Baptist

Perhaps Southeast Missouri State was too comfortable against its NAIA guest.

Moments after putting down a two-handed flush in transition, Nygal Russell missed his second dunk attempt.

Phillip Russell playfully moved his shoulders and looked toward his bench after a layup, only to surrender a 3-pointer seconds later.

The Redhawks trailed Missouri Baptist through most of an eventual 71-63 win on Monday at the Show Me Center.

But SEMO (2-2), which trailed 21-6 early, was able to collect itself in a pivotal stretch and end a two-game home losing streak.

Russell had a game-high 18 points, Chris Harris had 16 points and five assists and Nana Akenten had 15 points to pace SEMO, which gained separation in the final 10 minutes.

The Redhawks trailed 53-51 before a 3-pointer by Eric Reed, a dunk in the lane by Akenten and a three-point play by Harris in succession.

SEMO wouldn't trail the little school again.

"It's college basketball, so you can't underestimate any opponent," Akenton said. "It's a game of runs. They had theirs and we responded, ended up getting the (win). And that's all that matters."

Russell's 3-pointer at the 1:13 mark proved to be the dagger.

The Saint Louis transfer said losing wasn't an option.

"The huddles got more intense," Russell said. "We were going to do everything we could to win, so I'm happy we did that."

Missouri Baptist guard Jadis White was among the Spartans playing an inspired brand of basketball, scoring a game-high 21 points.

The Spartans forced five early turnovers and turned them into quick points, putting SEMO in an early 15-point hole.

SEMO coach Brad Korn praised Missouri Baptist's fight and his team's resolve.

"There was one play where (Russell) didn't do what we needed," Korn said. "Then on the next play, he goes and gets a steal to make up for it. Things like that."

SEMO was outrebounded (38-35) for the third straight game, committed 20 turnovers hit 8 of its 25 3-point attempts.

SEMO travels to San Antonio, Texas this weekend for a three-game stretch against Incarnate Word, Portland and Montana State.