After an overtime loss to Morehead State on Jan. 27, the Redhawks picked up an 85-77 win over conference rival Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) on Saturday, Jan. 29.

Redhawks coach Brad Korn said despite the win, there were many learning moments in the game.

“It was a choppy game, but a good team finds a way to win those games still,” Korn said.

Despite SIUE being the second-best rebounding team in the OVC, the Redhawks managed to out-rebound the Cougars 38-30.

Coach Korn said the team has been working heavily on rebounding skills recently.

“It was a point of emphasis. That's all we talked about yesterday and this morning. It was just making a point of emphasis to rebound, and that’s a point of emphasis for us because we’re a little bit smaller every game,” Korn said.

In the absence of freshman guard Phillip Russell, the Redhawks bench has continued to step up in a big way. Korn commended sophomore guard DQ Nicholas for taking a more influential role in the position.

“I think it’s easier for him to play extended minutes because he’s been in the system for a year and knows exactly what’s going on,” Korn said.

Nicholas ended Saturday’s contest with 18 points, six rebounds, three assists, and 36 minutes played.

Redshirt junior guard Chris Harris also continued to find success in his expanded role, finishing with 17 points on 10 shots, making 9-14 from the charity stripe, and racking up a team-leading six assists.

Since their 12-day pause due to COVID-19, the Redhawks have a renewed sense of confidence. Korn said the key to this turnaround has been team defense.

“I think we’ve been more committed on the defensive side of the ball. Obviously when you can bring that number down defensively you give yourself a better chance and I think our guys have understood that, accepted it and applied it,” Korn said.

The Redhawks led by 10 in the second half, and only trailed the Cougars for 4 minutes of the game.

The team will hit the road on Thursday, Feb. 4 where they hope to pick up another conference win against the Tennessee Martin Skyhawks at 8 p.m.