Southeast Missouri State holds off SIU-Edwardsville, 79-74

Feb 18, 2018, 02:03 am

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- Ledarrius Brewer scored 25 points and Southeast Missouri swept SIU-Edwardsville for the second straight season, posting a 79-74 victory Saturday afternoon.

The Redhawks entered the game with a firm hold on the No. 7 seed into the Ohio Valley Conference tournament. SIU-Edwardsville entered tied with Eastern Illinois for the No. 8-and-final seed into the Ohio Valley Conference tournament.

Southeast Missouri State opened a seven-point advantage at the half, but the Cougars got within three points with a minute left before Brewer knocked down four straight free throws to clinch the victory.

Brewer converted 11 of 13 from the free throw line and the Redhawks (14-15, 8-8) were 28 of 35 from the line in the game. Justin Carpenter and Daniel Simmons each contributed 13 points and Simmons grabbed 11 boards.

Christian Ellis had 19 points to lead the Cougars (9-18, 5-11). Keenan Simmons added 12 points and grabbed nine rebounds and Jalen Henry, Justin Benton and David McFarland each added 11 points.