Coaches like to point out that stats don’t tell the whole story.

But the Panthers couldn’t hide from the horror story that took place in the first half. While Eastern’s offense hasn’t been as proficient as it was in December, Wednesday night’s 63-42 loss to Southeast Missouri brought a whole new meaning to bad offense.

The game started smooth enough for Eastern, with the Panthers jumping out to an 8-2 lead.

After the quick start, the Panthers’ offense went into hibernation with the next field goal with 6 minutes, 40 seconds later.

By that point, SEMO found its offense in the form of Missy Whitney. Whitney scored 10 of the Redhawks first 14 points, helping fuel an impressive 34-11 run that put SEMO up 36-19 at halftime.

Following the conclusion of the first half, Eastern head coach Brady Sallee remained on the bench for a few moments looking in disbelief to a half that saw the Panthers shoot 15 percent (four for 26).

“You’re gonna have nights where you don’t hit,” said Jessica Huffman, who finished with 10 points on two of 11 shooting.

The Panthers continued their array of misses in the second half, shooting 27 percent (eight for 29) and 22 percent (12 for 55) for the game.

Not only was Eastern’s shooting horrible, but the number of errant passes and SEMO’s ability to capitalize on the Panthers’ mistakes proved to be the final dagger.

The Panthers (9-17, 6-11 OVC) finished with 21 turnovers, with SEMO getting 31 points off Eastern’s miscues.

“We were crazy out there,” Sallee said. “You would think in mid-February, you wouldn’t be making passes to the other team.”

While the Panthers were inefficient offensively, most of the lack of production can be traced to SEMO’s defensive game plan.

The Redhawks focused on surrounding sophomore Rachel Galligan with two to three defenders covering her on each possession, making the Panthers’ perimeter players beat them – something they couldn’t do.

“I knew they were trying to take me out of the game,” Galligan said. “We were banking on our (perimeter players) making shots. Unfortunately, they didn’t fall tonight.”

Even with SEMO shooting a poor percentage (36 percent), the Redhawks managed to get balanced scoring with four players scoring 12 or more points.

The physical play that SEMO (18-7, 13-4 OVC) displays can be best exemplified through Lachelle Lyles (14 points, 21 rebounds).

“Definitely,” Galligan said when asked if SEMO was the most physical team she’s played against. “They really make you work for your points. You know it’s going to be rough.”

Even with the loss, the Panthers remain a half-game behind idle Eastern Kentucky for the eighth and final playoff spot in the OVC Tournament. Sallee sensed his team may be fatigued, deciding to give the Panthers a day off today in preparation for Saturday’s home game against Murray State.

“It’s still right in front of us,” Sallee said. “But, we have to understand one person won’t carry us to the promise land.”

For a complete box score of Wednesday night’s game, click here

Head coach Brady Sallee sits alone in disgust during half-time of the women’s basketball game against Southeast Missouri State Wednesday night at Lantz Arena. (John Bailey/The Daily Eastern News)

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