DeShawn Patterson has emerged as the leader of Southeastern Louisiana, even though he may not always be their statistical leader.

"He is just that guy. He is an everyman for us," coach Jim Yarbrough said. "As he goes, we go. Not necessarily from a scoring perspective, but his engine runs high and he has a lot of energy."

Often times, Patterson defends the opposing team's best offensive player.

"It's been (an) up-and-down (season)," Patterson said. "We've had a lot of high points and some low points. We just have to consistently play good night in and night out."

He believes he's improved throughout his career, but winning is his goal.

"I am just smarter and making fewer mistakes," Patterson said. "I am just steady pushing. I have a year-and-a-half left, and we are trying to get that (SLC title) ring. That's the ultimate goal."