CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (Interstat) — A dominant second-half offensive explosion propelled Southeast Missouri State to a decisive 89-73 victory over Tennessee Tech in an Ohio Valley Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at the Show Me Center.

The Redhawks, improving to 19-12 overall, trailed by two points at halftime but outscored the Golden Eagles 55-37 after the break. The turnaround was fueled by efficient shooting and a significant advantage in ball security. Southeast Missouri State shot 53.4% from the field for the game and committed only four turnovers, while forcing eight from Tennessee Tech.

The game’s most important sequence came early in the second half, when the Redhawks decisively seized control. After a tight first half that saw 10 lead changes and ended with Tennessee Tech leading 36-34, Southeast Missouri State opened the second period on a 13-3 run. The surge included a 3-pointer from Braxton Stacker and two quick layups, transforming the narrow deficit into a 47-39 lead within the first four minutes. Tennessee Tech never recovered, as the Redhawks’ lead ballooned to as many as 21 points in the final minutes.

Brendan Terry and Luke Almodovar led the Redhawks’ balanced attack, each scoring 21 points. Terry added an assist, while Almodovar’s scoring came on 8-of-12 shooting from the floor. Troy Cole provided a crucial all-around performance with 14 points and a game-high three assists. Stacker finished with 15 points, and his early second-half three was a key momentum-shifter.

For Tennessee Tech, which fell to 13-18, Dani Pounds was a bright spot with a game-high 24 points in just 25 minutes of action. He was efficient, making seven of his nine field goal attempts and converting 10 of 12 from the free-throw line. JaJuan Nicholls added 14 points, and guard Ty Owens contributed 14 points, three assists and a blocked shot.

The statistical disparity told the story of the Redhawks’ comprehensive performance. They outshot the Golden Eagles 53.4% to 44.0% from the field and held a 31-23 edge in rebounds. Perhaps most telling was the assist-to-turnover ratio; Southeast Missouri State dished out six assists against four turnovers, while Tennessee Tech managed only two assists against eight turnovers.

The game was a reversal of fortune from the teams’ first meeting on Dec. 18, when Tennessee Tech secured an 85-74 win in Cookeville. This victory gives Southeast Missouri State momentum heading into the conference tournament, while Tennessee Tech concludes its regular season having lost two of its final three games.

An announced crowd of 3,200 at the Show Me Center watched the Redhawks close their home schedule with a statement win, showcasing the offensive firepower and defensive discipline that made them a heavy pregame favorite. The teams combined for 162 total points, significantly surpassing the game’s projected total.