The Southeast Missouri State Redhawks surprised Eastern’s men’s basketball team by winning 78-75. Since Jan. 1 SEMO has not won a single game and the Panthers will look to avenge their previous loss.

The Redhawks are riding a six-game losing streak, with the latest loss coming at the hands of Tennessee Tech on Jan. 29.

The six-game losing streak is not the longest losing streak SEMO has had this season. It started the season on a 10-game losing streak before picking up its first win against Hannibal-LaGrange University.

The Panthers also come into the game on a losing streak. They have lost three consecutive games dating back to Jan. 22.

Eastern enters the game with an 8-13 record overall and 4-7 in the Ohio Valley Conference, while SEMO is 5-17 overall and 4-8 in conference.

The Redhawks will travel to Lantz Arena for this match-up and they have struggled on the road this season, posting a 2-9 record this year. Eastern is 5-6 at home this season.

SEMO was supposed to play Southern Illinois-Edwardsville on Tuesday, but the game was canceled due to poor weather conditions. Both SEMO and Eastern have had one week to prepare for this game.

Eastern head coach Mike Miller said the week of practice should help the team get back on track.

The Redhawks are led by junior forward Leon Powell, who is averaging 14 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. There are three other Redhawks that average more than ten points a game.

SEMO’s freshman guard Nick Niemczyk has emerged as one of the best three-point shooters in the OVC. He has played in only five games this year, but in his limited time he is averaging 13.4 points and 3.6 rebounds per game.

The Redhawks are fifth in the OVC in offense scoring 68.7 points per game, while Eastern ranks ninth with 61.8 points a game.

One of SEMOs weaknesses is its defense, as they are worst in the conference giving up 76.7 points per game to opposing teams; however, defense is one of the Panthers strongest assets as they rank second in the conference giving up 63.6 points per game.

The Panthers will look to exploit this lack-luster defense and grab their fifth OVC win of the year. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. in Lantz Arena.

Rob Mortell can be reached at 581-7944 or at rdmortell@eiu.edu