CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — Little Rock (9-10, 5-4 OVC) dropped a 67-57 decision to Southeast Missouri State (7-12, 3-7 OVC) on Thursday night at the Show Me Center, despite forcing eight steals and staying within striking distance into the fourth quarter.
"We defended well enough at times to give ourselves a chance, but our shooting in the third quarter really hurt us," Little Rock head coach Steve Wiedower said. "We've got to be more consistent on the offensive end, especially on the road, and finish possessions."
Little Rock made multiple pushes in the final quarter. Brenna Burk opened the scoring with a jumper, and Destinee Salgado added fastbreak free throws following a steal. Holman was efficient at the line, going 4-for-4 in the quarter, but SEMO answered each run with key baskets, including a three-pointer by Da'Kariya Jackson midway through the period. The Redhawks sealed the win at the free-throw line in the closing minutes.
The Trojans got off to a strong start, opening the game with points from the free-throw line by Mya Cotto and a fastbreak layup from Jordan Holman to take an early 4-0 lead. SEMO answered with a layup from Kearra Jones and later took its first lead on a three-pointer by Carmen Taylor midway through the opening quarter. Consistent free-throw shooting helped the Redhawks build a cushion, and Little Rock trailed 20-13 at the end of the first.
Little Rock responded in the second quarter, outscoring SEMO 14-10 to close the gap. Brenna Burk knocked down a pair of three-pointers, including one at the 9:18 mark to pull the Trojans within four. A late defensive rebound by Alaina Payne prevented a last-second score, and a three-pointer from Cotto with 47 seconds remaining cut the deficit to 30-27 at halftime.
Holman led the Trojans with 14 points and two steals, while Burk added 13 points and three three-pointers. Salgado finished with nine points and nine rebounds, and Payne pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds to go along with three steals.
Little Rock will regroup as conference play continues, looking to build on its defensive effort and clean up execution on the offensive end.
The Trojans' will not play again until next Thursday at Tennessee State. Saturday's scheduled game at UT Martin was postponed due to the winter storm that is expected to impact the region this weekend.
