Morehead State Eagles (21-10) vs Southeast Missouri State Redhawks (17-16)
Game Info: Friday, March 3, 2023 at 8:00 pm (Ford Center)
Betting Odds: Morehead State Eagles -4 -- Over/Under: 142 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The SE Missouri State Redhawks and Morehead State Eagles will meet in Evansville to face off in the semifinals of the OVC Championship at the Ford Center.
SE Missouri State moved to 17-16 after defeating Tennessee State in the quarterfinals of the OVC Championship. The Redhawks were able to control a high scoring affair to down the Tigers by eight, 91-83. SEMO is scoring 78.2 points per game, while allowing 77.1 ppg, and shooting 43.8% from the field.
SEMO is led by the backcourt pairing of Chris Harris and Phillip Russell. Harris posted a 29-point double-double in the win over TSU, and he’s up to 15.0 ppg and 4.6 rpg. Sophomore guard Phillip Russell also had a solid outing with 18 points and seven dimes to bring his team-leads to 18.2 ppg and 5.1 apg.
Morehead State finished at 21-10 after defeating UT-Martin in their home finale. The Eagles outscored the Skyhawks in both halves to pick up the 14-point win, 82-58. Morehead is scoring 70.6 points per game, while allowing 66.5 ppg, and shooting 44.3% from the field.
Morehead State is one of the final holdovers in the OVC, and they flexed their seniority this season. The Eagles have won eleven of their last twelve games, and a return to the big Dance feels likely, they just need to complete the mission. Senior center Alex Gross sets the tone in the middle of the defense, and after grabbing a season-high 17 boards in the finale against UT-Martin, he led the team in rebounding (7.5), while scoring 12.1 ppg. Veteran guard Mark Freeman runs the offense, and he leads Morehead in scoring (14.8) and assists (3.8).
SEMO is 16-13-1 against the spread this season, with a 19-11 over/under record. Morehead State is 17-10 ATS this year, with a 10-16-1 o/u record.
Morehead State stayed in the Ohio Valley to be in this position. With Belmont and Murray State no longer wandering the pastures of the conference, the Eagles have properly asserted themselves as the premier team in the conference this season. SEMO has played well this year, but after playing two games in two days, they may feels the effects of fatigue heading into this uphill battle. Morehead State has earned the trust and they should advance here with a bigger prize in sight.
Corey’s Pick Morehead State -4
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee
Mitch's Take...
