Men’s basketball picks up much needed wins; women add to the win column.
Madison Thames, Staff Writer
The Savage Storm basketball team has leveled out their record with a few conference wins. Now holding an 8-9 record overall and a 4-5 record in Great American Conference play, they are now in a four-way tie for fifth place.
Coming out of Christmas break, the storm faced Southwestern Oklahoma, barely losing by one point in a nail biting battle. They also fell to Arkansas Monticello, but game back on a two game win streak, defeating Harding at home and Arkansas Tech on the road.
Southeastern used a 22-7 run midway through the second half to erase a double-digit deficit and held off a late Harding charge to pick up a 71-67 victory on Saturday afternoon in Bloomer Sullivan Arena.
Against Harding, Taylor Smaller held 17 points, seven assists and nine rebounds. Sami Bzai hit five shots from behind the arch, leaving him also with 17 points. Darius Harris contributed 14 points, and Anton Cook added 10 off the bench.
Danny Powell turned in a season-high 26 points on the road against Arkansas Tech leading Southeastern to a 74-63 win in Russellville, Ark.
Smaller added 20 points to the scoreboard, including four baskets from behind the arch. Harris finished with a double-double, matching his points and rebounds with 13 of both.
The women’s team started the season with a 12-5 overall record and 5-4 record in Great American Conference play.
Facing Southwestern Oklahoma the first game out of Christmas break, the Storm came out on top with a very close victory.
Both Emily Williams and Rachel Wallace added 18 points for the Storm as well.
Olivia Potter hit five three pointers for 15 points against Arkansas Monticello, leading the Storm to a three point win. Southeastern had many players contribute points, with Kaylie Baxter adding 11, Shelby Hill and Williams adding nine, and Demi Koelzer adding eight.
The Storm fell to both Harding and Arkansas Tech, who both are ranked nationally in NCAA DII. Hill hit seven from behind the arch against Harding, leaving her with team high 21 points.
Williams and Potter led Southeastern in scoring against Arkansas Tech. Williams posting 20 and Potter adding 15. The Storm fell short by 11 against Arkansas Tech who is ranked No. 15.
The Storm also fell to Ouachita Baptist, losing closely on the road by four points. Williams led in scoring with 16 points. Baxter came in second with 11, Wallace added nine, and Taylor Richards was close behind with eight.
