Henderson State used a strong first half performance to knock off Southwestern Oklahoma 77-52 in Weatherford, Okla. in Great American Conference action Thursday night.

The Reddies(3-7, 2-3 GAC) dominated every statistical category and stormed out to a 41-25 lead at the break, as HSU shot a blistering 49 percent from the field in the first half, making 18-of-37 attempts from the field.

A season-high 22 assists helped pave the way for the Reddies, as Matt Panaggio led HSU with seven helpers, while Eric Dailey dished out four.

Tavian Pomlee had a huge first half, as the senior from Davenport, Iowa poured in 13 points and pulled down five first half boards.

HSU forced nine first half turnovers while only committing four, and also dished out 13 assists while limiting SWOSU to six and handing the Bulldogs their first GAC loss of the season.

"Our defense executed very well," head coach Jimmy Elgas said. "We got a solid effort from everybody on the defensive side of the ball and I think that definitely contributed to our success tonight."

SWOSU(8-3, 4-1 GAC) pulled within 11 at the 12:56 mark of the second half making the score 49-38, but that was as close as the Bulldogs would get as Henderson State continued to knock down shots and apply defensive pressure.

The Reddies led by as much as 28 points in the second half, as they held a 75-47 lead on a Kaylon Tappin put-back with just over two minutes remaining.

HSU finished the game knocking down 32-of-67 shots for 48 percent from the field, including 8-of-19 from beyond the three-point line.

The Reddies also out-rebounded the Bulldogs 40-to-34, while committing just nine turnovers and forcing 17 from SWOSU.

Four Reddies scored in double-figures, as Pomlee led the way with a career-high 17 points on 6-of-12 shooting while also pulling down eight boards.

Alioune Mboup put together a career performance, as he had a career high 14 points along with 10 rebounds for a double-double.

Tappin also had a strong night as he pitched in 13 points on 6-of-11 attempts from the field and contributed five rebounds.

Also scoring in double-figures for HSU was Aaron Cooper, as the senior for Little Rock scored 10 points.

Henderson State will return to action on Saturday as the Reddies travel to Alva, Okla. to take on Northwestern Oklahoma in Great American Conference action.