Marland Smith posted his first career double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds to lead 7th seeded Southeast Missouri (10-21) to a 65-49 win 6th seeded Eastern Kentucky (15-16) Wednesday night in the first round of the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament.
Southeast, which earned its first OVC Tournament win since 2005, held EKU to a mere .281 (16-of-57) field goal percentage on the night. The Redhawk defense also limited the Colonels to a season-low 49 points.
The Redhawks went on a 13-0 run starting with 14:24 to play to pull away from what was a one point lead. SEMO held EKU scoreless for over seven minutes in that stretch.
Southeast advances to the quarterfinals to face third-seeded Austin Peay Thursday. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m, CT, at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium.
