Jones shot only 4-of-13 from the field, but did hit his only three-point attempt and also went 12-for-16 from the free throw line. Aaron Broussard (Federal Way, Wash.) and Cervante Burrell (Sacramento, Calif.) each scored 12 points, while Charles Garcia (Los Angeles, Calif.) just missed a double-double with nine points and ten rebounds.
After Trent Blakley hit a three-pointer with 7:48 remaining in the first half to give the Roadrunners a 19-18 lead, SeattleU went on a 11-0 run, capped by a three-pointer from Garrett Lever (Phoenix, Ariz.), to pull ahead, 29-19, with 4:37 left before halftime. A rebound and putback from Mike Boxley (Mountlake Terrace, Wash.) as time ran out in the half gave the Redhawks a 40-27 lead at halftime.
Cal State Bakersfield (7-21) scored the first eight points of the second half to cut its deficit to five at 40-35 before Jones hit two free throws and his three-pointer to extend SeattleU's lead to ten points. The Roadrunners kept battling, with back-to-back baskets by Marcus Hall pulling the visitors back within three at 69-66 with 2:11 left in the second half.
Blakley hit his second three-pointer of the game with 30.1 seconds remaining to pull Cal State Bakersfield within two at 72-70. Taylor Olson (Seattle, Wash.) was immediately fouled and made both free throws, but Stephon Carter responded with a basket with 21.6 seconds left. Broussard was fouled and missed the front end of a one-and-one, but Jones was there for the rebound and layup. Broussard pulled down the rebound of a missed Hall three-point attempt, and SeattleU was able to run out the clock for its sixth victory in the last seven games.
Boxley again made a significant contribution off the bench with eight points, six rebounds, and two assists. For the game, SeattleU shot 40.8 percent (29-of-71) from the field, including 4-of-10 from behind the three-point line, and 51.9 percent (14-of-27) from the free throw line. The Redhawks won the rebounding battle, 43-38, and forced Cal State Bakersfield into 27 turnovers.
Carter shot 8-of-16 from the field and 3-of-4 from the free throw line to lead the Roadrunners with 19 points, three assists, and three steals, while Blakley finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, and two steals. The Roadrunners shot 48.1 percent (26-of-54) from the field, including 5-of-15 from the three-point line, and 68.2 percent (15-of-22) from the free throw line.
Seattle University (15-14), above .500 for the first time since mid-December, will look to clinch a winning season Tuesday, March 2, against Portland State beginning at 8 p.m. The game will be broadcast on FSN Northwest as well as on 710 ESPN Seattle. Fans are encouraged to come early for the Senior Night ceremonies honoring Boxley, Olson, and Chris Gweth (Beaverton, Ore.).