by SMT writer

Rodney McConnell

This time, it was the opening night of the 2012 SEMO Conference Tournament.  And the Bluejays were still the powerful opponent they had been at the Bearcat Event Center in last week's season opener.  There was a glimmer of hope early on as the Bearcats put 5 points on the scoreboard.  But the small group of Dexter fans present had their hopes dashed in short order as Charleston shut down the fledgling Dexter offense and took full control of the court, running up a lead of 29-5 by the end of the first quarter.  The injury-plagued Bearcats just couldn't find an answer for the speedy Bluejays, who proceeded to dominate the remainder of the first half and take a 48-12 lead into the locker room.

Charleston's momentum slowed somewhat in the second half, but the Dexter offense continued to give the ball up with regularity, and they finished the night by taking their third loss of the season-final score Charleston 74, Dexter 23.

The Bearcats will face the Jackson Indians in the tournament consolation semifinal game at 6 PM Tuesday.