WICHITA, Kan. (Interstat) — The Southeast Missouri State women’s basketball team secured a hard-fought 69-62 road victory over Wichita State on Tuesday night at Charles Koch Arena, overcoming a third-quarter surge by the Shockers to even its season record.

The Redhawks built an early lead and maintained control for much of the contest, but had to withstand a 22-point third quarter from the home team to escape with the win. The game was ultimately decided at the free-throw line, where Southeast Missouri State capitalized on its opportunities while Wichita State struggled profoundly.

Southeast Missouri State improved to 2-2 with the win, while Wichita State fell to 1-4.

A pivotal disparity emerged in free-throw shooting. The Redhawks attempted 34 free throws, converting 22, while the Shockers managed only 3 makes on 10 attempts from the charity stripe. This 19-point advantage from the line proved insurmountable for Wichita State, which otherwise outscored Southeast Missouri State in the paint, 34-20.

The Redhawks also found success from beyond the arc, shooting 9 for 20 on three-pointers compared to a 7-for-20 performance by the Shockers. Overall field goal efficiency, however, favored Wichita State, which shot 26 for 67 from the floor. Southeast Missouri State was held to 19 made field goals on 50 attempts but used its volume of free throws and three-pointers to build its scoring total.

Defensively, the game was a battle of attrition with both teams committing double-digit turnovers. Southeast Missouri State forced 18 turnovers, converting them into 26 points, while Wichita State scored 20 points off 16 Redhawk turnovers. Both teams recorded 10 steals and 10 assists.

Southeast Missouri State established a 28-28 lead by halftime, holding a narrow two-point edge after the first quarter. The game shifted dramatically in the third period as Wichita State’s offense found its rhythm, outscoring the Redhawks 22-19 to take a slim lead heading into the final quarter. However, the Redhawks responded with their strongest quarter, pouring in 22 points in the fourth while holding the Shockers to just 12 to seal the victory.

Individually, Lexi McCully led all scorers for Southeast Missouri State with 18 points. Teammates Ainaya Williams and Carmen Taylor added 14 and 13 points, respectively. Williams, a 6-foot-1 forward from St. Louis, Missouri, filled the stat sheet beyond scoring, contributing three assists and a game-high five blocks in just 24 minutes of action. Raissa Nsabua also reached double figures with 11 points and dished out four assists.

For Wichita State, Abby Cater led the way with 15 points and six assists. Jaila Harding and Diamond Richardson each contributed 11 points in the losing effort.

The game was played in front of an announced crowd of 808. Southeast Missouri State returns to action on the road against Arizona State on Nov. 29. Wichita State will look to rebound at home against Cal State Bakersfield on Nov. 22.