REDLANDS (Interstat) — The Howard (Tex.) Hawks used a potent first-half offensive display to defeat the Redlands Cougars 85-71 in a men’s junior college basketball game Friday.

Howard built a commanding 48-36 lead after the first quarter and maintained a double-digit advantage throughout. The Hawks improved to 9-2 overall, while Redlands moved to 1-1.

Damond Matthews led all scorers with 19 points for Redlands. Teammates Jayden Forrest added 18 points and Treston Gage contributed 11 points and seven assists in the loss. The Hawks’ balanced attack proved too much despite the Cougars’ efforts.