Nov. 15, 2008

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By Tyler Koonce, Sports Information Assistant

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Nationally-ranked UT Martin scored 21 second half points to defeat Southeast Missouri State, 31-21, Saturday at Houck Stadium. The Redhawks trailed by only three points at halftime but could not overcome the Skyhawks, who have won four straight Ohio Valley Conference games.

After a scoreless first quarter, UT Martin got out to a 10-0 lead in the second quarter on a 20-yard field goal by Tom Hansen and a 24-yard touchdown pass from Cade Thompson to Roren Thomas.

Southeast pulled to within three points when freshman quarterback Matt Scheible scored on a 4-yard run with 3:49 left in the first half.

In the third quarter, the Skyhawks got two short touchdown runs from Brandyn Young.

Senior running back Timmy Holloman rushed for a 10-yard touchdown with 11:09 left in the game to cut the lead to 24-14.

UT Martin wide receiver Mike Hicks, the reigning OVC Newcomer of the Week, hauled in a 10-yard touchdown pass from Thompson with 5:27 left in the fourth quarter.

Redshirt freshman receiver Chantae Ahamefule made a senstional 1-handed touchdown grab on an 18-yard pass from Scheible with 47 seconds remaining in the game.

Scheible finished 10-for-21 passing for 108 yards in relief of Houston Lillard. He added 90 yards rushing.

Ahamefule led Southeast receivers with three receptions for 34 yards. Walter Peoples and Michael Williamson both caught two passes.

Defensively, Nick Stauffer registered 10 tackles and forced a fumble. With 145 tackles on the season, he is two shy of the school's single-season record heading into next Saturday's season finale at Austin Peay.

Vincent Anderson added seven tackles and a fumble recovery. His twin brother, Victor Anderson, notched six tackles on the afternoon.

Punter Doug Spada, who entered the game second nationally in punting, averaged 43 yards on three punts. He had a long of 53 yards and placed one inside the Martin 20-yard line.

Southeast honored all 17 seniors along with student assistant coach Adam Schwent during a pregame ceremony. The Redhawks conclude the 2008 campaign at Austin Peay next Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. in Clarksville, Tenn.