After starting the 2008-09 season at 0-4, the Chowan University men’s basketball team has turned it around.

Since a loss to Mankato State in the Mankato State Pepsi Classic back on Nov. 22, the Hawks have rebounded and are now 5-5 after Wednesday night’s 74-62 win over Mount Olive College.

Chowan will host its next three games. On Saturday, the Hawks will take on undefeated Cheney University (5-0) at 2 p.m. Interestingly, on its Web site, Cheney refers to Chowan as “Chawon.”

On Jan. 3, Chowan will play Columbia Union College at 2 p.m. The Pioneers are struggling at 1-9. On Jan. 8, the Hawks will host always-tough Virginia Union University at 7:30 p.m. VUU has started the season at 4-3.

Chowan hosts Elizabeth City State University on Jan. 20 at 7:30 p.m.

This has become a rivalry of sorts, although Chowan has not beaten the Vikings since a dramatic overtime win at home a few years ago. ECSU (8-1) downed Chowan 78-64 in Elizabeth City on Dec. 2.

Speaking of the Chowan men’s team, the squad was scheduled to volunteer at Riverdale Elementary School today at 11 a.m.

■ I am by no means a Washington Redskins fan. I find the situation the Redskins are in very interesting, though. I watched intently Sunday as the Skins, losers of five of their last six games, fell to one of the worst teams in football, the Cincinnati Bengals. On Monday, I was listening in amusement to the John Thompson show on the radio while the callers blasted head coach Jim Zorn and owner Daniel Snyder for Washington’s 7-7 record.

Hold on folks. I know the faithful want a winner in Washington, but give me a break. Zorn is in his first year as head coach. Give the guy a chance before you run him out on a rail.

Will Snyder have the patience to hold on to Zorn to let his system sink in? Honestly, that has been the problem in Washington. How many times can this team start over with new personnel and new coaches? If Washington ends up 8-8 and misses the playoffs, was it a lost season?

■ OK, my pick of Detroit to win its division is looking better and better each week. The Lions have two winnable games left. Detroit plays disappointing New Orleans this week and Green Bay in the final week. With the No. 1 draft pick solidly in hand, should the Lions even try in these final two games? Detroit could sure use a quarterback. I’m thinking not.

■ The BCS continues its controversial run this year. Personally, I think the BCS championship game should be Texas vs. Florida. That’s why I am rooting for the Gators to pummel Oklahoma.

As for Virginia Tech, there is no way Cincinnati should be ranked No. 12. My prediction: Tech will pound the Bearcats 42-20 in the Orange Bowl on New Year’s Day.