The Southeast Missouri (SEMO) women’s basketball team (4-18, 2-11 OVC) suffered a tough 63-57 loss to Morehead State (8-15, 3-10 OVC) on Thursday night at Johnson Arena.
Guards Lexi McCully and Zoe Best led the Redhawks with 16 points each, combining for 11-of-32 from the field and a perfect 6-of-6 at the free throw line. Center Ainaya Williams also contributed 10 points and six rebounds in just 15 minutes of play.
SEMO struggled offensively, shooting 32.2% from the field (19-59), 27.8% from beyond the arc (5-18), and 73.7% from the free throw line (14-19). Despite the loss, forward Briah Hampton had a standout defensive performance, recording a career-high six blocks—all in the first half—while grabbing eight rebounds.
Morehead State opened the game with a 4-0 lead before McCully got SEMO on the board. She scored the team’s first nine points, keeping the Redhawks competitive early. However, MSU closed the first quarter on an 8-3 run, leading 20-14.
Both teams struggled offensively in the second quarter, combining for just 22 points. SEMO cut the deficit to 23-21 after a brief 5-0 run, but MSU responded with an 8-0 surge to lead 31-23 at halftime.
In the third quarter, SEMO fought back with a 10-0 run, taking their first lead of the game at 41-39. However, Morehead State regained control with a 7-0 run to close the quarter, leading 46-41 heading into the final frame.
A Best three-pointer late in the fourth brought SEMO within one, but MSU sealed the game at the free throw line.
SEMO looks to bounce back on Saturday, February 8, when they face Southern Indiana at 5 p.m. CT in Evansville.
The Barn 