Feb. 22, 2007

Box Score

Birmingham, Ala. - Southeast Missouri State clinched an Ohio Valley Conference Tournament berth by beating Samford 70-67 in an OVC road game. The Redhawks are now 11-18 overall and 9-10 in the OVC.

The game was tied 25-25 at the half, but the Redhawks came out red hot in the second half when they shot 67% from the field, 64% from three and 89% from the line. The Redhawks, who are 8-0 when they make 10 or more 3-pointers, were 11-22 from three.

Terrick Willoughby led the way with 20 points including 6-8 from three. His back to back treys early in the second half, propelled the Redhawks to a lead they never relinquished. Brandon Foust had 12 points and a team-high seven rebounds while David Johnson had 10 points.

Samford, the preseason choice to win the OVC, was led by Joe Ross Merritt with 18 points while Randall Gulina had 17 and Travis Peterson 13. The Bulldogs have lost five straight games to stand 14-15 overall and 11-8 in the OVC.

Southeast will close the regular season on Saturday, 7:30 p.m., at Jacksonville State. The game will be televised by the Heartland's CW, WQWQ-TV. The Redhawks, who are 5-4 in OVC road games this season, will open tournament play on Tuesday at a site yet to be determined.