ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – Henderson State's dominant performance on Saturday propelled the team to a program-best 7-1 start in conference play.
 
HSU defeated Northwestern 96-70 at home to improve to 11-3 overall and the aforementioned 7-1 in GAC games. This win is the largest for the Reddies over the Rangers in GAC history, surpassing a 91-72 victory at home on February 22, 2020. The victory is also the largest margin of victory over a Division II opponent this season for Henderson.
 
In one of their best showings of the year, the Reddies dominated on both sides of the ball. As a team, HSU shot 55.2 percent from the field and made 27 free throws - a season high. On the other side of the ball, the Reddies held the Rangers to just 39.6 percent from the field and 18.2 percent from three. The Henderson defense held the Rangers' top two scorers to a combined 11-30 from the field and 1-10 from three.
 
The Reddies had five different players reach double-digits, including Xavier Owens and Kristian Spencer scoring double-digits off the bench. Owens scored 16 points on seven-of-11 shooting, while Spencer scored 12 points on three-of-five shooting and a five-of-six performance from the line. Rondae Hill scored 10 points and had a game-high plus-30 plus-minus rating. Henderson State outscored Northwestern 46-30 on points in the paint, 18-6 on second chance points, and 48-19 on bench points.
 
Nehikhare Igiehon had his first double-double of the season, scoring 18 points and hauling in 11 rebounds. Igiehon drew eight fouls against the Rangers and cashed in eight free throws.

Matthew Mayes was the team's leading scorer with 19 while dishing out five assists and collecting four steals. Mayes shot eight-of-11 from the field en route to a plus-21 rating.
 
With the win, the Reddies remain tied atop the conference with Southern Nazarene and Oklahoma Baptist.
 
Henderson State now heads to Southern Nazarene on Thursday and Oklahoma Baptist next Saturday for two of the biggest games in recent program history.
 
Top Performers:
Nehikhare Igiehon: 18 pts., 11 reb., and two blocks
Xavier Owens: 16 pts., +19 =/-, and 7-11 FG
 
In a battle where first place in the GAC is on the line, the Reddies will tip off against Southern Nazarene in Bethany, Oklahoma, at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 16.