SEMO Basketball Tops Evansville in Overtime Thriller
The Redhawks secured an 89-81 victory over Evansville during a competitive exhibition matchup at the Ford Center.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Basketball
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SEMO basketball defeated Evansville 89-81 in an exhibition game that required overtime to settle the final outcome. The matchup took place at the Ford Center.
Why it matters
The game served as a key preseason test for both teams to evaluate their rosters and rotations ahead of their upcoming regular season schedules.
Marqueas Bell led the scoring effort with 22 points, while teammate Clayton Jewell contributed six rebounds in the win.
The players
Marqueas Bell
He is a basketball player who led his team in scoring during the exhibition matchup against Evansville.
Clayton Jewell
He is a basketball player who provided defensive stability by recording six rebounds in the game.
The details
The back-and-forth exhibition contest was ultimately decided in the extra period following a competitive regulation finish. Both teams utilized the event to refine their play before the official start of the basketball schedule.
Timeline
The exhibition game between SEMO and Evansville took place on October 21, 2026.
SEMO is scheduled to play its regular season opener against Lipscomb on November 2, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This exhibition contest provides an early glimpse into how teams are integrating new personnel within the NCAA Division I exhibition basketball schedule. The results of these non-counting matchups help coaching staffs finalize their rotations before official conference play begins.
Marqueas Bell demonstrated significant offensive efficiency with his 22-point performance, establishing him as a primary scoring threat. The overtime outcome suggests a tight competitive balance as the team prepares to shift focus toward the regular season opener.
The takeaway
Exhibition games provide a critical opportunity for players to test their skills against new opponents in a high-pressure environment. These preseason minutes are essential for identifying team strengths and weaknesses before official statistics begin counting toward postseason eligibility.
What happens next
SEMO will face Lipscomb in its regular season opener at the Show Me Center on November 2, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on local sports, visit our Basketball coverage page.
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Do early exhibition game wins give you confidence in your local team for the season?
