The USI Men’s Basketball team hosted the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks on Saturday for the annual homecoming game, drawing a crowd of 3,097. The Redhawks, a formidable opponent sitting in third place in the Ohio Valley Conference, entered the game with a 14-10 record (10-4 in conference play), looking for their fifth straight win.
For USI, this was a chance to snap a three-game losing streak, which included two double-digit losses to the University of Arkansas-Little Rock and Tennessee Tech University. At 9-14 (4-9 in conference play), the Screaming Eagles were underdogs on paper, but the game proved to be anything but predictable.
However, USI faced adversity before the game even started. Junior guard Sam Kodi, who had recently been starting at point guard, did not participate in warmups and was ruled out. In his absence, USI turned to junior guards Jack Campion and Braxton Jones to handle facilitating duties—Campion got the start, while Jones came off the bench.
Additionally, junior center Alex Horiuk started in place of sophomore forward Stephen Olowoniyi, while the usual wing trio of Damoni Harrison (junior guard), Jayland Randall (junior guard) and Jack Mielke (graduate forward) remained in the lineup.
The Redhawks opened the game with a quick five points, appearing to have a speed advantage. This prompted USI head coach Stan Gouard to make an early adjustment, pulling Horiuk after two minutes in favor of the more agile Olowoniyi. The switch injected pace into the offense, allowing USI to score a quick six points, including four from Harrison.
What followed was an intense, back-and-forth offensive showcase. The wing duo of Randall and Harrison led the early charge for USI, scoring 13 and 10 first-half points, respectively. Meanwhile, Campion played the role of an unsung hero, dishing out two assists and creating scoring opportunities while also recording a key steal that ignited the crowd.
Energy was a major factor, with the student section roaring in support and even engaging in some well-aimed trash talk toward the Redhawks. SEMO, however, kept pace, staying within striking distance. By halftime, USI held a slim 36-35 lead.
Southeast Missouri State started the second half strong with a 6-0 run, quickly reclaiming the lead. However, a three-pointer by Mielke stopped their momentum. Coach Gouard then turned to Braxton Jones off the bench, a move that paid immediate dividends.
USI responded with an 8-0 run, highlighted by Jones assisting Olowoniyi on a thunderous dunk in front of the student section, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Randall and Harrison continued their scoring clinic, knocking down three-pointers and mid-range jumpers. But as the half wore on, SEMO adjusted defensively, closing out on perimeter shooters and forcing USI into a crowded paint. As a result, the Eagles’ offense went cold in the latter part of the half.
With under a minute remaining, SEMO held a three-point lead after Harrison missed a close jumper, leading to a foul by Jones. The Redhawks made one of two free throws, prompting Coach Gouard to call a timeout to draw up an inbounds play. The result: a quick layup by Harrison, cutting the deficit to one with 34 seconds left.
USI then fouled the same SEMO player, who once again split his free throws, leaving the door open.
With 15 seconds remaining, following another timeout, Jones found himself open in the corner for a potential game-tying three. He missed but grabbed his own rebound and attempted a layup—one that may have drawn contact. However, the officials did not call a foul, forcing USI to foul again.
SEMO once again split its free throws but wisely fouled Randall before USI could attempt a three-pointer. Randall missed the front end of a one-and-one, sealing the game for the Redhawks.
Final Score: USI 74, Southeast Missouri State 79
This loss leaves USI with a 4-10 conference record, dropping them to ninth place in the Ohio Valley Conference. A tough loss for sure, but against one of the best teams in the conference, they fought until the end, which is admirable.
Takeaways:
Harrison and Randall were once again a prominent scoring threat, both finishing with 20+ points while playing solid defense. Olowoniyi was a force on both ends of the floor, scoring 14 points, grabbing 10 boards, and recording four combined blocks and steals. Mielke struggled with his shot (2-for-7 from the field, all six points from three-pointers) but contributed seven rebounds and three defensive stops.
Point guard play was inconsistent. Jones logged 23 minutes but struggled offensively (1-for-6 shooting). Campion started strong but faded, leading to more minutes for Jones. Depending on the severity of Kodi’s injury, his role could expand in the coming games.
USI hits the road for two crucial matchups against Western Illinois University and Lindenwood University. At this point in the season, every game is a must-win, as the Screaming Eagles must leapfrog UT-Martin to secure a spot in the Ohio Valley Conference tournament.
