CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — Little Rock came up short in a closely contested Ohio Valley Conference road game Thursday night, falling 70-65 to Southeast Missouri State at the Show Me Center.
The Trojans led at multiple points in the second half and stayed within one possession in the final minute, but Southeast Missouri State's 32 points in the paint proved decisive down the stretch.
"We had opportunities late, but we didn't finish enough possessions on both ends," head coach
Darrell Walker said. "When you're on the road in this league, those little things matter."
Little Rock (9-11, 6-3 OVC) opened the game with an early three-pointer from
Braxton Bayless just 18 seconds in, assisted by
Johnathan Lawson. Despite early turnovers, the Trojans stayed competitive behind Lawson's perimeter shooting and active defense. Little Rock recorded five blocks in the first half but trailed 33-30 at the break.
The Trojans continued to battle in the second half, using defensive stops and timely shooting to erase deficits.
Kachi Nzeh knocked down a key three-pointer with 1:53 remaining to pull Little Rock within striking distance, and Lawson added a driving layup with 13 seconds left. Southeast Missouri State (11-10, 6-4 OVC) answered at the free-throw line to secure the win.
"I liked our fight and our toughness," Walker said. "We defended, we shared the ball, and we put ourselves in position. Now we've got to turn that effort into wins."
Lawson led Little Rock with 21 points, hitting five three-pointers and collecting four steals. Nzeh finished with 13 points, three made threes, and three blocks.
Tuongthach Gatkek added eight points and a team-high five assists, while
Caleb Pennyfeather contributed two blocks.
Little Rock returns to action Thursday, Jan. 29, traveling to Nashville, Tenn., to face Tennessee State. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. The Trojans were scheduled to play at UT Martin Saturday, but that game was postponed due to the winter storm forecasted for the region. That game will now be played on Tuesday, Feb. 3.
