The Southeast Missouri State University women's basketball team made clutch shots to give a Redhawks victory over Division II Southern Indiana, 68-62. It was the team's first exhibition basketball game at the Show Me Center this season.

Defensive stops came up big after trailing 43-53 with nine minutes, and 59 seconds left to play in the second half.

"I called a timeout and brought the troops together and we just basically talked about, you know, you're either going to hang your head and stop competing or break it up and the seniors are going to lead us," Southeast head coach Ty Margenthaler said.

With eight minutes, and 51 seconds left in the second half, Southeast forward Bailie Roberts hit a three-point jumper to put the game within single digits, 48-54. Redhawks guard Jordan Hunter and forwards Patricia Mack and Bailie Roberts had steals to put the game within two points.

"We really picked up the defense pressure without fouling and I thought we really got into transitions," Margenthaler said. "Patricia Mack had two great breakaways and back to back layups that got a little momentum going."

Mack finished the game with nine points and second rebounds for the team.

With the Redhawks down by two points, Roberts made two free throws to tie the game 58-58.

"We had a one run where we got three or four steals in a row, and it just really helped build our confidence into finishing off the game," Roberts said.

The Redhawks gained the lead with two minutes, and 26 seconds left to spare when Southeast forward Allyson Bradshaw nailed a three-point jumper.

"I really thought Bradshaw came through," Margenthaler said. "We ran a nice quick hit for her, and she knocked down a great three and really the momentum started."

Bradshaw had two blocks, two steals and 10 points for the Redhawks.

With 12 seconds in play, Eagle's guard Mariah Nimmo turned the ball over and Southeast forward/center Courtney Shiffer was fouled on the floor. Shiffer connected on both free throws.

Roberts added two more with three seconds left in regulation, giving the Redhawks the largest lead of the game by six.

The Redhawks and the Eagles both committed 20 turnovers.

Roberts led the Redhawks, shooting 50 percent behind the arc, grabbing seven rebounds and two steals with 18 points in the game.

Southeast's Harriel also had a good showing with five defensive rebounds and 12 points.

The Redhawks held The Eagles to 39.7 percent from the field.

"It was a good way to open up it up and start off with a win," Bradshaw said.

The Redhawks will play Wright State University in its regular season home opener at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Show Me Center.

"The biggest things I was really proud of this time is we came together," Margenthaler said. "We got stops when we needed to get the stops, we made the shots when we really needed to make clutch shots and we won the basketball game."