Redhawks senior guard Tesia Thompson scored a game-high 21 points as Southeast Missouri put together a strong showing against #5 Louisville Wednesday afternoon at the Show Me Center.
For the first time in program history, SEMO hosted a top-five opponent in Cape Girardeau and the Redhawks did not disappoint when they took the stage for the first time in this ever-changing COVID-19 environment.
SEMO's original season-opener, initially scheduled to be played on Saturday vs. Missouri Baptist, was canceled because the Spartans couldn't make the trip to Cape Girardeau due to their quarantine guidelines.
That opened an opportunity for the Redhawks to schedule a big matchup with the fifth-ranked ACC Preseason favorite Cardinals, who had also had their original opener cancelled.
Sixth-year SEMO Head Coach Rekha Patterson said she was extremely proud of how the team performed, praising her teams competitiveness and courage.
The Redhawks led Louisville at one point late in the first quarter, and drew as close as six points in the second half. Ultimately, Louisville pulled away as SEMO struggled to convert baskets late in the game.
The SEMO women return to action when they host University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy on Tuesday Dec. 1. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available at GoSoutheast.com as well as gameday walk up sales. In accordance with COVID-19 protocols, capacity at the Show Me Center will be reduced with social distancing between seating groups and face coverings are required.
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