Southeast Missouri (SEMO) delivered a striking performance, defeating Ohio Valley Conference leader UT Martin 66-50. Luke Almodovar led the charge with 22 points and six 3-pointers, helping SEMO dominate from start to finish. The Redhawks built an impressive 20-2 lead early in the game and never looked back, ending UTM's seven-game winning streak and marking their first conference loss. The victory underscores SEMO's strategic efficiency, particularly through forced turnovers and offensive rebounds.

By the Numbers
  • SEMO's win ended UTM's seven-game winning streak.
  • Almodovar scored 22 points, hitting six 3-pointers at a 60% shooting rate.
  • SEMO forced 21 turnovers, leading to 23 points off those mistakes.
  • UTM was held to a season-low of 50 points.
State of Play
  • SEMO improved to a 10-10 record and 5-4 in OVC play.
  • The Redhawks are gaining momentum with a closeout home game against Little Rock on January 22.
  • UTM now sits at 15-5 overall and 7-2 in OVC, facing a critical need to regroup.
What's Next

SEMO aims to build on this victory against Little Rock, which could further elevate their conference standing. Conversely, UT Martin will need to reassess their strategies to bounce back in upcoming games, as maintaining their position atop the standings is at stake.

Bottom Line

This emphatic victory demonstrates SEMO's potential to challenge top teams in the OVC. With a strong performance fueled by defensive pressure and sharp shooting, the Redhawks are now positioned to make a significant impact in the remainder of the season.