Redhawks dominate Eastern Washington

Confidence was the keyword after the Men's Basketball team's win against Eastern Washington University on Monday.

"We had confidence from our bench — even the guys who didn't play — we had confidence from the guys who did play…we fixed the little errors that we made early and we kept going and going and going," said Sterling Carter, sophomore guard.

Carter's own confidence proved important, as head coach Cameron Dollar said his job is to "let it fly." Carter did his job and the result was a 5-6 shooting night from behind the three-point line, contributing to a total of 26 points.

"I was more confident in myself after the first one fell…if you work on your shot and your game you should have confidence and know that your shot's going to fall. You just gotta keep shooting," Carter said.

Aaron Broussard's confidence was most pivotal to the win. The senior forward's aggressiveness created opportunities for the Redhawks, whether it resulted in a shot or a trip to the free throw line. He ended the game with a career-high 34 points and 11 free

throw attempts.

"We made a huge point of emphasis of attacking the basket and I think you've seen [Broussard's] confidence grow in being able to attack it against anyone we play. His confidence hadn't always been like that," said Dollar.

Broussard's example rubbed off on the Redhawks and although the team was 18-33 from the line, the fact that they took twice as many free throws as Eastern Washington is a testament to the team's overall aggressiveness. Dollar was pleased.

"The most important stat of the night was getting to the free throw line…. That was good to see, good to see us attack the rim and be forceful in there," Dollar said.

The Redhawks didn't just attack the rim while shooting but stayed aggressive while rebounding as well. They out-rebounded the Eagles 45-26.

Notable performances from Eastern Washington players include a 26-point game from forward Collin Chiverton and 15 points and five assists from guard Cliff Colimon.

One thing the stat sheet won't tell you about is a football fumble-style dog pile that occurred two minutes into the second half. Carter knocked a ball away from Eastern Washington, which was recovered and then lost by Clarence Trent. Players from both teams dove for the loose ball and there was a five-person stack of white and red jerseys at half court with surrounding players prepared to join if necessary. The referee blew the whistle and ruled the ball as Eastern Washington's to inbound.

"We should've been on the bottom," Dollar said. "I thought we were a little slow getting down there. You can't lose that… those details, that intensity, that scrap that's gotta be there all the time."

As for negative statistics from the Redhawks, like 17 turnovers and foul trouble for players such as Trent, senior guard Cervante Burrell wasn't concerned.

"It's a win, we're happy about everything," said Burrell.

Broussard was looking to carry over positives like execution and rebounding into the next game.

"We finally put a full 40-minute game together, so that's something to build off of. I think that'll help us," Broussard said.

Hopefully, confidence from this win will carry over to Thursday's game against Utah State.

Rosalie may be reached at rcabison@su-spectator.com