Preview: Southeast Missouri State at Morehead State

HALDEMAN, Ky. (Interstat) — Surging Southeast Missouri State looks to extend its winning streak when it visits struggling Morehead State in an Ohio Valley Conference men’s basketball matchup Saturday at E.T. Johnson Arena.

The Redhawks (9-7, 3-0 OVC) have won five straight games, including an 84-76 road victory at Southern Indiana on Thursday. They are one of two remaining unbeaten teams in conference play.

The Eagles (7-9, 1-2) have dropped two of their first three OVC contests, most recently falling 76-68 at home to Tennessee-Martin on Thursday.

Southeast Missouri is fueled by the hot hand of guard Brendan Terry. He is coming off a career-high 30-point performance against Southern Indiana, adding two assists and two blocks in 31 minutes. Over his last four games, Terry is averaging 14.5 points and 3.5 assists.

Morehead State will counter with forward Tamaury Releford, who provided a spark off the bench with 12 points in the loss to Tennessee-Martin. His season high was a near double-double of 9 points and 9 rebounds against Alice Lloyd on Dec. 28.

The Redhawks’ current streak includes three convincing OVC wins by an average margin of 17.3 points. Beyond Terry, Luke Almodovar (19 points) and BJ Ward (13 points, 5 assists) were key contributors in the latest win.

The Eagles have struggled for consistency, alternating wins and losses in their last six games. They will need improved production beyond Releford and starters Vince Dawson and Jon Carroll, who each scored 13 points Thursday.

Saturday’s contest is the first of a regular-season series between the teams, who will meet again in Cape Girardeau on Feb. 5.

Up Next: Southeast Missouri State hosts Lindenwood on Jan. 15. Morehead State travels to Tennessee State on Jan. 15.