The Redhawks men’s basketball team defeated the UT Martin Skyhawks 76-69 on Thursday, Feb. 24 at the Show Me Center.

The fast-paced contest provided back and forth action and scoring from both teams, with neither one being able to amass a run of more than seven points. The Redhawks scored 18 points from the paint and went 12-17 from the charity stripe during the first half. The team was unselfish with the ball as well, notching eight assists and shooting 60 percent from the field. The score was 40-32 with the Redhawks leading at halftime.

The defense started slow in the second half as the Skyhawks made a 14-2 run and quickly took the lead from the Redhawks. Both teams traded baskets until the seven minute mark, when the Redhawks found their stride. An 8-0 run propelled them to the lead and they never looked back, winning the game 76-69.

Junior guard Eric Reed Jr. led the Redhawks with 21 points. Junior guard Chris Harris grabbed eight rebounds.

Senior forward Manny Patterson said the team coming together at the end of the game helped in their victory.

“We came together and knew what we had to do to get the job done. We ended the game as a unit and the right way,” Patterson said.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s game against #19 Murray State junior guard Eric Reed Jr. said staying focused would be a key factor in the game.

“I think we just gotta stay focused in on the game and lock up on defense,” Reed Jr. said. “They’re loaded, they got guys everywhere so just making sure that we lock in on defense and stay together like we always have this year.”

Head coach Brad Korn had a similar message to his team about Saturday.

“We’ve got to be able to come out and play SEMO basketball,” Korn said. “We gotta continue to play the right way and protect the Show Me Center which we’ve done for the last eight out of ten at home.”

The Redhawks’ season finale will be against #19 Murray State on Saturday, Feb. 26 at 4 p.m.