Feb. 17, 2002

Southeast Missouri State Otahkians (14-11, 6-8)
vs. Eastern Illinois Panthers (6-18, 5-8)
Game 26 - February 18, 2002 - 7:00 p.m. CT
Show Me Center (7,000) - Cape Girardeau, Mo.

About Southeast: After suffering through a season-high five game losing streak, Southeast got two must-win games last week by posting victories over Tennessee-Martin and Murray State. The Otahkians turned up the defensive intensity and were able to limit their opponents field goal attempts. The two wins moved Southeast into sole possession of fifth place in the OVC and a win over Eastern Illinois will secure that spot for the Otahkians.

Against Murray State on Saturday, after playing some of their best team basketball in the first half, the Lady Racers were able to cut into the Southeast lead and tie the game up in the second half. That's when sophomore center Tisa Thomas scored 10 straight points for Southeast and then senior guard Veronica Benson ignited a 9-2 Otahk run that put the game out of reach.

Eastern Illinois enters the contest having won two straight games, the first time they have done that since January of 2000. Sophomore center Pam O'Connor is the team's leading scorer at 18.7 per game and sophomore Lauren Dailey set the EIU record for three-pointers in a season by hitting her 51st against UT-Martin on Saturday.

In the earlier meeting this season, Southeast outscored the Panthers 10-0 in the game's 53 seconds after EIU had gained a one-point advantage. Veronica Benson hit a runner in the lane to give Southeast the lead for good and LaShelle Porter hit on 5-6 free throws to close out the game.

The game marks the final Show Me Center game for Head Coach Ed Arnzen, who retire at the completion of this season, his 19th as Otahkian coach. His reign of 19 consecutive years with one sports ranks 4th all-time at Southeast Missouri.

The game will also be the last for three Otahk seniors, Cindy Bates, Veronica Benson and Pam Iversen. They will be honored along with Coach Arnzen in a pre-game ceremony.

Admission is free to the public for this special game.