The Haskell Indian Nations University men’s basketball team hasn’t had many nights like Friday.

It’s had only five all season. What was it? A Fightin’ Indians victory. A big victory.

Haskell (5-21) dominated from the start and defeated Central Christian, 88-71, at Coffin Sports Complex.

“It’s been a rough season, so it feels real good to get a win,” said Haskell’s Wacy Weeks, who had 15 points and 14 rebounds. “It was nice to finally get back onto the other side of the scoreboard. The season hasn’t gone how we expected, but it puts everyone in a good mood when we go out and play like we did tonight.”

Haskell jumped to a 21-6 lead thanks to good ball movement and a new pressure defense. With nine minutes remaining in the first half, Central Christian (6-22) had 10 turnovers and only eight points.

“We had a lot of energy on defense,” coach Jamie Morrison said. “We normally play a different type of pressure defense, so they hadn’t seen this look from us.”

Brandon Yellowbird-Stevens led Haskell with 18 points and six assists. He went 6-for-12 from the field and 6-for-7 from the free-throw line. He also had a shot rejected and received some good-natured ribbing from his teammates.

“He thought he got fouled, but I told him that he needed to go up a little stronger, because that was a clean block,” Weeks joked. “We were giving him plenty of hell for that one. It was a lot of fun and just a fun night.”

Central Christian Women 62, Haskell 53

The Indians (11-12) came out flat, hitting only five of 29 shots in the first half. They shot just 27 percent and committed 22 turnovers. Samantha Pete led Haskell with 21 points.

“All we did was stand out there and pass the ball around their zone,” HINU coach Phil Homeratha said.

Tonight is Senior Night at Haskell. HINU’s women will face Newman at 3 p.m., and the men will follow around 5:30.