The Southeast Missouri State women's basketball team, riding a three-game winning streak, travels to UT Martin on Saturday, January 4, 2025, for a pivotal Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) matchup. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m., CT, at the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center in Martin, Tennessee.

Prepare for an Unforgettable Battle of the Hawks

Battle of the Hawks: A Rich Rivalry

The rivalry between SEMO and UT Martin, known as the "Battle of the Hawks," has spanned decades with significant implications for both teams. The Skyhawks hold a slight edge in this storied series, leading 46-31. However, recent history shows that the Redhawks have not been far behind, having secured a narrow 56-54 victory over UTM in Cape Girardeau during the 2023 season. This upcoming game could be a turning point, especially given SEMO’s recent surge in form.In their last meeting, the Skyhawks swept the Redhawks, but SEMO’s resurgence makes this encounter all the more intriguing. Fans can expect a fiercely contested match, with both teams eager to assert dominance in this long-standing rivalry. The players’ familiarity with each other adds an extra layer of intensity, making every possession crucial.

A Momentum-Building Victory

SEMO’s most recent triumph was a decisive 75-68 win over Tennessee State in Nashville. Guard Indiya Bowen delivered a career-high performance, scoring 25 points with impressive shooting efficiency. Her contributions were complemented by Zoe Best’s 18 points and Lexi McCully’s 13. Collectively, the Redhawks showcased resilience and adaptability, outscoring their opponents through strategic plays and relentless defense.One of the standout aspects of the game was SEMO’s superior free-throw shooting, converting at a rate of 78.9%, compared to Tennessee State’s 58.5%. Additionally, the Redhawks capitalized on 28 forced turnovers, converting them into 20 critical points. This combination of offensive prowess and defensive tenacity has set the stage for a promising clash against UT Martin.

Quarter-by-Quarter Dominance

Over the past few weeks, SEMO has transformed its first-quarter play, consistently outscoring opponents. In fact, the Redhawks have accumulated a total of 196 points in the opening quarter compared to their opponents' 184. This early momentum has proven instrumental in setting the tone for the rest of the game. The ability to establish control right from the start has been a key factor in SEMO’s recent success.While the Redhawks face challenges in maintaining this lead throughout the game, their first-quarter performances have instilled confidence and provided a solid foundation. Teams that excel in the opening minutes often carry that energy into later stages, making it a critical area of focus for SEMO’s strategy.

Three-Point Precision and Defense

Southeast Missouri’s proficiency from beyond the arc has been another highlight of the season. The Redhawks average 7.1 made three-pointers per game, totaling 85 threes so far. Only Tennessee Tech has surpassed this mark with 88. SEMO ranks fifth in the conference in three-point percentage, demonstrating their effectiveness from long range.Equally impressive is the team’s ability to defend against three-point shots. Opponents attempting three-pointers against SEMO have struggled, converting just 65 out of 228 attempts for a 28.5% success rate. Ranking fourth in the OVC for opponent three-point percentage, the Redhawks have shown they can neutralize one of the most potent weapons in modern basketball.

Rising Stars: Indiya Bowen and Ainaya Williams

Indiya Bowen has emerged as a formidable force on the court, averaging 10.3 points per game. Over the past five games, her scoring has escalated to an impressive 15.8 points per contest. Her recent career-high performance against Tennessee State underscores her growing importance to the team. Bowen’s consistent starts and increased playing time reflect her reliability and impact.Ainaya Williams, the team’s center, has also been a standout player. She continues to extend her block streak, now standing at 18 blocks for the season, with an average of 2.0 blocks per game. Her season-high five blocks against Southern Illinois highlighted her defensive prowess. Leading the OVC in blocks, Williams has become an indispensable asset for SEMO’s defense.

Freshman Impact: Jariyah Williamson

Freshman guard Jariyah Williamson has made a significant contribution, particularly in rebounding. Against Tennessee State, she secured a team-high nine rebounds, marking her second consecutive game leading in this category. With 36 rebounds so far this season, Williamson averages 3.6 rebounds per game—a remarkable achievement for a guard. Her versatility and hustle have added depth to SEMO’s lineup.

UT Martin: A Formidable Foe

UT Martin enters the game with a 4-10 overall record and a 1-2 OVC record following a loss to Little Rock. Under the leadership of 15th-year head coach Kevin McMillan, the Skyhawks boast several notable performers. Kenley McCarn leads the charge with an average of 13.0 points per game, followed by Anaya Brown and Shae Littleford, who contribute 12.7 and 10.6 points respectively.Brown also excels on the boards, averaging 5.1 rebounds per game. As a team, the Skyhawks score an average of 65.0 points per game but allow 70.8 points to their opponents. Their shooting percentages stand at 42.6% from the field and 32.3% from three-point range. Despite these statistics, UT Martin remains a competitive and unpredictable opponent, capable of challenging SEMO’s momentum.