CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – SIUE never led and Southeast Missouri used a late charge to score a 80-64 win in Ohio Valley Conference basketball Saturday at the Show Me Center.

The Cougars are now 0-2 in OVC play at 7-6 overall. SEMO improved to 6-6 overall and 2-0 in the OVC.

The Redhawks took an eight-point lead (45-37) into halftime after a face-paced first half. SIUE connected on 47 percent of its shots in the period, while SEMO shot an even 50 percent.

The Cougars trimmed the lead back to four twice early in the second half, but bever could get closer and a quick 7-0 run from SEMO pushed the advantage back to double digits (59-48) with 14:45 left.

A basket and a free throw from Myles Thompson brought the Cougars back within four (63-59) with 7:46 left. A steal by Ray'Sean Taylor gave SIUE possession, but a three-point attempt which would have cut the lead to one, came up short from the top of the key.

The Redhawks took control with a 15-1 run over the next four minutes to lead 78-60 with 3:03 to play.

SIUE shot 43 percent (23-54) for the game, including going 6 for 22 (27 percent) from three-point range. The Cougars were just 1-10 from long range in the second half.

SEMO shot 48 percent (30-62) for the game.

The Cougars came into the game with the best rebounding margin in the OVC, only to have Southeast Missouri winning the rebounding battle 37-22. SIUE finished with no offensive rebounds in the game.

Ray'Sean Taylor scored 16 points to lead SIUE. Brian Taylor II added 15 points.

BJ Ward scored 18 to lead the Redhawks. Teddy Washington, Jr. and Brendan Terry each scored 17 points.

SIUE is now off until January 2 when Western Illinois comes to First Community Arena for a nationally televised game on ESPNU. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m.