LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Winners of three of their last four, the Trojans return home Saturday afternoon with momentum - and potentially a packed house - as they host Southeast Missouri at 1 p.m. inside the Jack Stephens Center.
Little Rock is coming off an emotional win over UT Martin on Thursday night and now aims to keep climbing the OVC standings while feeding off what could be one of the largest crowds of the season.
In an effort to "Pack the Rock," Trojan supporters have purchased thousands of tickets and donated them to local schools, community groups and families throughout Central Arkansas. Area students received both paper and electronic vouchers for up to four tickets, which can be redeemed through the doubleheader Saturday and presented at the gate.
Fans without vouchers can still purchase tickets at lrtrojans.com or at the Jack Stephens Center box office.
Saturday also marks Little Rock's annual Pink Game, part of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association initiative inspired by legendary coach Kay Yow to raise awareness in the fight against cancer. The Trojans will wear alternate pink uniforms, and cancer survivors will join the Little Rock starters during pregame introductions in a powerful show of support and solidarity.
The first 400 students in attendance will receive a free pink T-shirt and pizza, adding to the game-day atmosphere.
In addition, the Little Rock School District will collect new and gently used books as part of its Reading in the Rock program, continuing the department's community outreach efforts.
With postseason positioning tightening and energy building around the program, Saturday presents more than just another conference game - it's an opportunity for the Trojans to compete in front of their community, celebrate survivors and continue their late-season surge.
GAME INFO
Who: SEMO (9-17, 5-12)
When: 1 p.m., Saturday, February 21
Where: Jack Stephens Center (5,600)
Radio: 106.7 Buz2 (Trey Schaap, pxp) Listen
HERE.
Video: ESPN+ (Michael Westbrook, pxp; Shameka Christon, analyst) Watch
HERE.
SERIES HISTORY
•Little Rock leads the all-time series 9-3.
•The Trojans have won eight of the past nine meetings.
COACH SPEAK
"What I am the most proud of [of the UT Martin win] was that we faced some adversity, but we held our composure," head coach
Steve Wiedower said. "
Jordan Holman made a few plays, and we held on to the lead and the win. That was good to see. That shows that we are growing as a team that we are able to handle situations like that late in games."
Wiedower's comments reflect a team that is beginning to close games with confidence — something that will be critical down the stretch of conference play.
TROJAN TIDBITS
•Destinee Salgado delivered a breakout performance against UT Martin, setting career highs in points (16), field goals made (7) and minutes played (33). She also grabbed 11 rebounds — just one shy of her career best.
•Jordan Holman narrowly missed a double-double with 22 points and nine rebounds, continuing her consistent inside presence.
•Mya Cotto erupted early, scoring 11 of her 15 points in the first quarter. She had five points in the opening four minutes and drilled a buzzer-beating three to give Little Rock a 15-9 advantage after one.The Trojans controlled the paint in the victory and showed improved poise in late-game situations — a key step as the postseason approaches.
SCOUTING THE REDHAWKS
•The Redhawks average 12.85 assists per game, ranking third in the OVC.
•Their 3.27 blocked shots per game ranks fourth in the league, just behind Western Illinois (3.31).
•Carmen Taylor leads SEMO with 12.8 points per game. The 5-foot-8 guard scored 12 points in the Redhawks' win over Little Rock last month.
•Lexi McCully added 18 points in that earlier matchup and matched that season high in Tuesday's win at UT Martin. She is averaging 11.3 points per game.
