The OVC Tournament continues with an exciting matchup as the No. 3 seed Southeast Missouri State Redhawks face the No. 6 seed Lindenwood Lions. Both teams are aiming to move one step closer to winning the conference championship and securing an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament.
This quarterfinal contest promises a competitive battle between two teams that finished the regular season with strong records. Fans can expect intense action as both squads try to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Match Details: SEMO vs Lindenwood
| Match | Southeast Missouri State vs Lindenwood |
|---|---|
| Tournament | OVC Tournament |
| Date | Thursday, March 5, 2026 |
| Venue | Ford Center |
| Location | Evansville, Indiana |
| Tip-off Time | 9:30 p.m. ET |
| TV Channel | ESPN+ |
| Live Streaming | ESPN+ |
Basketball fans can watch the game live on ESPN+, which will broadcast the matchup from the Ford Center in Evansville.
How to Watch Southeast Missouri State vs Lindenwood
Fans who want to watch the OVC Tournament game live have the following options:
| Viewing Option | Details |
|---|---|
| TV Broadcast | ESPN+ |
| Live Streaming | ESPN+ |
| Venue | Ford Center, Evansville |
| Tip-off Time | 9:30 p.m. ET |
Viewers can stream the game through the ESPN+ platform on compatible devices.
Team Overview
Southeast Missouri State Redhawks
Southeast Missouri State enters the tournament as the No. 3 seed after finishing the season with a 19–12 overall record and 14–6 in OVC play. The Redhawks have shown consistent scoring ability and strong defensive performances throughout the season.
They recently secured a convincing 89–73 victory over Tennessee Tech, showcasing their offensive depth and ability to control games.
The team averages 75.2 points per game while allowing 70.9 points, giving them a +4.3 scoring margin this season.
Lindenwood Lions
The Lindenwood Lions arrive as the No. 6 seed with an 18–14 overall record and 11–9 in conference play. They come into the matchup with confidence after defeating Little Rock 72–62 in their previous game.
Lindenwood has been one of the stronger offensive teams in the conference, averaging 78.1 points per game while conceding 72.8 points, resulting in a +5.3 scoring margin.
Both teams have the ability to score in bursts, which makes this matchup particularly intriguing.
Team Scoring Comparison
| Team | Points Per Game | Points Allowed | Scoring Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeast Missouri State | 75.2 | 70.9 | +4.3 |
| Lindenwood | 78.1 | 72.8 | +5.3 |
Lindenwood has a slightly stronger offensive output, while Southeast Missouri State has shown a bit more defensive consistency.
Three-Point Shooting Comparison
| Team | 3-Pointers Per Game | 3PT Percentage | Opponent 3PT % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeast Missouri State | 6.5 | 30.7% | 32.5% |
| Lindenwood | 6.0 | 31.0% | 30.6% |
Neither team relies heavily on three-point shooting, but both have the ability to hit key shots when needed.
Key Players to Watch
Southeast Missouri State
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luke Almodovar | 14.2 | 3.5 | 0.6 |
| Braxton Stacker | 11.5 | 3.5 | 1.4 |
| BJ Ward | 11.5 | 2.2 | 3.7 |
| Brendan Terry | 11.4 | 5.4 | 2.1 |
| Marqueas Bell | 9.0 | 5.1 | 1.8 |
Luke Almodovar recently led the team with 21 points in their win over Tennessee Tech and remains one of the Redhawks’ primary scoring threats.
Lindenwood
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anias Futrell | 17.4 | 5.9 | 2.0 |
| Dontrez Williams | 15.3 | 5.0 | 2.0 |
| Jadis Jones | 15.3 | 8.5 | 2.5 |
| Milos Nenadic | 12.1 | 6.0 | 1.0 |
| Clayton Jackson | 7.1 | 2.8 | 2.6 |
Anias Futrell leads the Lions in scoring, while Milos Nenadic recently delivered a 24-point performance in their win over Little Rock.
What Makes This Game Important
The OVC Tournament provides teams with the chance to earn an automatic spot in the NCAA Tournament, making every game extremely important.
For both Southeast Missouri State and Lindenwood, this matchup represents a key opportunity to keep their postseason dreams alive.
With strong offenses on both sides and talented players leading the way, fans can expect a competitive and high-energy tournament game.
Southeast Missouri State enters the game as a slight favorite due to its balanced attack and strong defensive record. However, Lindenwood’s scoring ability and recent momentum make them a dangerous opponent.
If Lindenwood can control the pace and maintain their offensive rhythm, they could challenge the Redhawks throughout the game.
