The Seattle University men’s basketball team jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, earning a 73-56 victory over Western Washington Thursday night in GNAC action at the Connolly Center.
Ryan Coldren (, ), Michael Wright (, ), and Chris Gweth () combined to score the team’s first 23 points as SeattleU shot 61.5 percent from the field in the first half to take a 39-19 lead at halftime. Meanwhile, shot only 36.8 percent from the field and committed eight turnovers before halftime.
Western Washington (13-11, 6-9 GNAC) went on a 12-2 run over a four-minute span in the second half to cut its deficit to nine at 49-40 with 12:14 remaining. SeattleU responded, as Mike Boxley () hit back-to-back shots, followed by two baskets and two free throws by Wright, as the Redhawks extended their lead to 19 at 63-44 and cruised to the victory.
Five players scored in double figures for SeattleU, led by Gweth with 18 points, plus he pulled down five rebounds. Coldren finished with 15 points and six rebounds, while Wright earned 12 points, seven rebounds, and two steals. Boxley and Ricky Berry (, ) each scored ten points, and Shaun Burl () ran a successful offense, dishing out four assists while committing only one turnover.
Ira Graham led the Vikings with 17 points, while Calin Schell had 12 points and four rebounds and Derrick Webb contributed ten points off the bench. The Vikings shot better in the second half, but still committed 15 turnovers in the game and lost the rebounding battle to the Redhawks, 25-24. missed only one of 17 free throw attempts, while had the same number of attempts but made only ten free throws.
Seattle University (17-8, 10-6 GNAC) hosts Central Washington Saturday, March 1, beginning at 7 p.m., as probably the two hottest teams in the GNAC meet with playoff positioning on the line. SeattleU defeated the Wildcats earlier this season in Ellensburg, 83-76, but has not lost a game since then, defeating Montana State Billings Thursday night, 88-72.