The men’s basketball team opens the first round of the playoffs on Wednesday against the Lassen Cougars.

The Hawks made a late playoff push, finishing up the regular season with an overall record of 16-12, going 11-5 in conference play. Assistant Coach Mathew Bradley said the men will be well prepared and ready to compete.

“We’re all very excited,” Bradley said. “This team is fast and will bring a level of intensity, which will make it hard to prepare for our different defensive looks.”

Bradley added that because they did not play to their standards during the pre-season, they have something to prove to themselves as a team.

“These guys are hungry,” Bradley said. “We needed to play better than we did in the pre-season so we have a lot to prove.”

For several players, Wednesday’s game will be their first exposure to collegiate playoff basketball. This year’s team is predominantly freshmen.

“I’m just trying my best to lead the guys,” said sophomore guard Khari Hutt. “I want to do everything I can to get our freshmen ready for their first playoff games.”

Although the team has already played Lassen and won, Bradley said everyone realizes that tonight’s game is much more significant than the pre-season meeting.

“This is definitely a must win,” said freshmen guard Marcus Robinson. “We have to get it done.”

Robinson added that the team can “run with any opponent” offensively and will put pressure on teams with their depth on defense.

The optimism that everyone on the team currently possesses is well-warranted. During the final 10 games of the regular season, the Hawks finished with a 7-3 record.

Hutt said the team will use that stretch as momentum headed into the first round as well as the rounds beyond that.

“We’re all motivated,” Hutt said. “Everyone on this team wants it for sure.”