MESA, Ariz. – Lockdown defense in the second half and an explosive offensive effort from Tre Carolina proved to be the difference on Thursday afternoon, as the Redhawks escaped with a win against Saint Katherine, 72-62.

The Redhawks fell behind by as many as 10 points and trailed for 17 minutes in the first half before taking their first lead at 23-21. The Firebirds quickly regained the lead and went into the half up 31-30 on a layup from their top scorer, Jacob Durham.

The Redhawks were narrowly outshot from the field, 41%-to-40% but outrebounded the Firebirds, 18-to-13 on the glass. Carolina and Michael Kirkland both finished the half with seven points while Dalton Smith led with four rebounds.

After trailing for nearly most of the first half, the Redhawks defense put on the clamps coming out of the break—forcing Saint Katherine to misfire and give the Redhawks the lead with 14 minutes left in the half. The Redhawks didn't relinquish the lead for the rest of the half and held the largest lead of 12-points with 8 minutes left on the board.

Tre Carolina led the offense with 19 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Michael Kirkland and Tanner Crawford both added 10 points. Crawford finished the game with eight boards, seven defensive and one offensive. He also matched his season high of four blocks for the second time this season.

The Redhawks hit 29-of-61 field goals (47.5%), 6-of-18 three-pointers (33.3%), 8-of-11 free throws (72.7%) and had 36 rebounds to the Firebirds 42 rebounds.  The Redhawks committed 12 turnovers and stole the ball four times.  The Firebirds made 24-of-68 shots (35.3%), 6-of-20 three-pointers (30%) and 8-of-12 free throws (66.7%). The Firebirds committed 12 turnovers and stole the ball from the Redhawks two times.