Jones shot 9-of-11 from the field, making his only attempt from behind the three-point line, and 10-of-11 from the free throw line in posting the highest single-game point total by a Seattle U player this season. Aaron Broussard (Federal Way, Wash.) notched his sixth double-double of the season with 10 points and 12 rebounds, while Garrett Lever (Phoenix, Ariz.) contributed six points, nine rebounds, two assists, and four steals to the winning effort.
"We did a good job passing on the inside, and Alex did a good job not only of converting on those field goal attempts, but also getting to the foul line," head coach Cameron Dollar said. "Garrett was exceptional tonight, and he has been the heart and soul of our team throughout the season."
After Jones scored the first four points of the game, Cal State Northridge went on a 9-0 run to take the early lead before another Jones basket and a three-pointer by Chad Rasmussen (University Place, Wash.) tied the game at 9-9. A traditional three-point play from Lenny Daniel put the Matadors back in the lead, which they held until Jones hit a layup midway through the first half to put the Redhawks ahead, 18-17.
Cal State Northridge (4-11) went on an 11-2 run over the next five-and-a-half minutes to take its biggest lead of the game at 28-20, but Seattle U responded, as the combination of Jones and Brandon Durham (Bremerton, Wash.) scored 12 unanswered points to give the Redhawks a 32-28 lead at halftime.
A Daniel dunk and a three-pointer by Vinnie McGhee gave Cal State Northridge a 33-32 lead early in the second half, but Jones' three-pointer gave Seattle U the lead for good and started a 10-0 Redhawk run that was punctuated by a three-point play from Broussard. Down by 10 halfway through the second half, the Matadors scored eight unanswered to come with two at 54-52 with six minutes remaining, but Seattle U prevented Cal State Northridge from hitting another field goal until just four seconds left in the game, by which time the Redhawks had hit enough free throws to cement the victory.
Rasmussen and Durham also scored six points apiece, with Rasmussen also collecting two rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a blocked shot. Cervante Burrell (Sacramento, Calif.) struggled from the field but did dish out five assists, and Gavin Gilmore (Pasco, Wash.) played another solid game off the bench, finishing with four points, three rebounds, and a blocked shot.
Daniel led the Matadors with 27 points, seven rebounds, and three blocked shots, while Rashaun McLemore contributed 15 points and four assists. As a team, Cal State Northridge shot 42.9 percent (21-of-49) from the field, including 4-of-13 from behind the three-point line, and 63.2 percent (12-of-19) from the free throw line.
Seattle University shot 36.7 percent (22-of-60) from the field, including 4-of-19 from behind the three-point line, and 73.9 percent (17-of-23) from the free throw line. The Redhawks won the rebounding battle, 44-28, including 18 offensive rebounds while holding the Matadors to just five offensive boards. Seattle U committed 20 turnovers, while Cal State Northridge was responsible for 18 turnovers.
Seattle University (7-11) plays its remaining four games in January on the road, beginning next Thursday, Jan. 13, against Utah Valley starting at 7 p.m. local time (6 p.m. Pacific time). Gary Hill, Jr., will broadcast the game live from courtside in Orem, Utah, on 710 ESPN Seattle.