Redhawks Open OVC Play with 102-95 Victory Over Tennessee State :: Jaycen Herring scores 21 points to lead Southeast

Dec. 6, 2007

By Tyler Koonce, Assistant Men's Basketball Contact

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Southeast Missouri State took an early lead and defeated Tennessee State, 102-95, in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) home opener Thursday night at the Show Me Center. The Redhawks went on a 9-0 run that lasted four minutes and 35 seconds early in the first half and never relinquished the lead. Southeast improves to 5-4 overall and 1-0 in OVC play while Tennessee State falls to 2-5 and 0-1 in conference play. The Redhawks scored 100 points for the first time since Feb. 19, 2002.

Calvin Williams dunks after driving baseline in the second half. (Patrick Clark)

Jaycen Herring finished with a team-high 21 points on 5-8 shooting, including 10-12 from the free throw line. Kenard Moore added 18 points, including two treys and a perfect 4-4 night at the charity stripe. Calvin Williams registered a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds and excited the crowd with highlight reel dunks. Roderick Pearson chipped in 15 points and two assists.

Southeast led 41-39 at halftime behind eight points off the bench from Marcus Rhodes. Brandon Foust and Herring added seven points off the bench in the first 20 minutes. Bruce Price kept Tennessee State in the game with 14 first half points.

The Redhawks opened the second half on a 6-0 run, highlighted by a driving layup by Herring. Moore scored 15 second half points in only 13 minutes played while Herring added 14 points, 10 coming from the free throw line, in the final 20 minutes.

Price scored 32 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the Tigers, one game after scoring a career-high 34 at Indiana. Gerald Robinson added 31 points for State before fouling out.

Tennessee State closed to within three with one minute remaining, but seven free throws from Herring and a crucial rebound and timeout called by Moore as he secured the ball on the floor, on top of two late free throws, sealed the game for the Redhawks.

Southeast continues OVC play Saturday when they host Tennessee Tech at 7:30 at the Show Me Center.