Feb. 19, 2002

Box Score

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Southeast Missouri overcame a 39-point performance from the nation's number two leading scorer to defeat Eastern Illinois 102-87 on Tuesday night and almost locked down the last spot in the OVC Tournament.

Eastern Illinois' Henry Domercant, who entered the week averaging 26.4 point per game, second best in the country, scored 39 points, one shy of his career-high set earlier this season. Domercant had 16 by halftime and looked to set the tone to start the second half as he nailed a three-pointer and converted on the free-throw to put EIU up for the first time in over eight minutes.

But Southeast (6-20, 4-11 OVC) would not be denied, thanks in part to the Ohio Valley Conference's best freshman, Derek Winans. Winans scored 19 points in the first half on his way to a career-high 32 points, including a three-pointer at the buzzer to send the Indians over the century mark for the first time since the 1995-96 season.

After Southeast built a 13-7 lead in the first half, Eastern Illinois (14-14, 6-8) used an 18-4 run to take their first advantage of the game. But the Indians would battle back and owned a 43-41 lead at the break.

Following Domercant's four-point play to open the second half, Damarcus Hence and Tim Scheer scored back-to-back buckets for the Indians, and Southeast would never trail again. EIU would get as close as four points with just under 5:00 to play, but Southeast ended the game with a 19-8 run.

"I'm not faulting our kids," said Eastern Illinois coach Rick Samuels. "I just think Southeast Missouri played well."

Winans led five Southeast scorers into double figures. Following Winans 32, Drew DeMond scored 17, senior Monte Gordon, playing in his final Show Me Center game, along with Demetrius King added 12 apeice and Tim Scheer scored 10.

The Panthers were led by Domercant's 39. He was 11-23 from the field, 5-11 from three-point range and grabbed five rebounds.

Southeast shot 54.7% from the field for the game, including a blistering 60% in the second half. Southeast also converted on 25-28 free-throws after missing nine in their last game out.

With the win, Southeast has almost locked up the eighth and final shot for the OVC Tournament.

"We are going to see if we can't get into the tournament and pull off some upsets," Winans said after the game.

Winans has been named OVC Rookie of the Week five times this season and should be a lock for that honor next week.

"I really feel good about our team right know," said coach Gary Garner. "Our guys came out tonight and played with tremendous confidence."

With his 39 points, Domercant set the EIU single season scoring record.