PLANNING AHEAD: One year before these two teams will square off as Western Athletic Conference rivals, Seattle University and Utah State play the first of two games against each other Saturday night in Logan, Utah. Utah State has advanced to the NCAA Tournament in each of the last three seasons, but with only one starter and four letterwinners back from last year's squad, the Aggies have struggled at the start of this season, but they are tough to beat at home.
PROBABLE STARTING LINEUPS
Seattle University
- Guard: #0 Prince Obasi - 6-2, 205 - Jr.
- Guard: #1 Allen Tate - 6-5, 205 - Jr.
- Forward: #2 Aaron Broussard - 6-5, 225 - Sr.
- Forward: #12 Clarence Trent - 6-6, 225 - So.
- Forward: #25 Eric Wallace - 6-7, 233 - Sr.
Utah State University
- Guard: #0 Brockeith Pane - 6-1, 195 - Sr.
- Guard: #13 Preston Medlin - 6-4, 175 - So.
- Forward: #15 Mitch Bruneel - 6-5, 205 - So.
- Forward: #21 Morgan Grim - 6-7, 230 - Sr.
- Center: #25 Jordan Stone - 6-10, 270 - Fr.
THE ARKANSAS STATE GAME: Arkansas State used the three-point shot to pull ahead in each half, and Seattle University had no answer in the second half as the Red Wolves defeated the Redhawks, 87-74, Wednesday night at the ASU Convocation Center in Jonesboro, Ark. Aaron Broussard led Seattle U with 25 points, 19 of them coming in the first half, while Clarence Trent shot 7-of-9 from the field as part of a 16-point effort. Eric Wallace earned his second double-double of the season with 12 points and 13 rebounds, and Sterling Carter hit four three-pointers, all in the second half, for 12 points of his own. Seattle U shot 41.8 percent (28-of-67) from the field, including 8-of-20 from behind the three-point line, and 10-of-15 (66.7 percent) from the free throw line. The Redhawks committed 18 turnovers in the game and lost the rebounding battle, 45-36.
SCOUTING UTAH STATE: The Aggies come into Saturday's game with a 4-5 overall record, including a 3-1 record at home. The one loss in Logan came against future WAC member Denver, 67-54, while the three victories have all come against Utah schools (BYU, Southern Utah, Utah Valley). Utah State is scoring 64.1 points per game and giving up 65.1 points per contests. As a team, the Aggies are shooting 44.7 percent from the field, including 37.7 percent from behind the three-point line, and 65.3 percent from the free throw line. Brockeith Pane leads the team in scoring, averaging 13.2 points per game, while Preston Medlin has hit 19 three-pointers so far this season on his way to averaging 12.8 points per game. Morgan Grim is contributing 10.3 points and a team-high 6.2 rebounds per game.
SEATTLE U VS. UTAH STATE: This is the 28th meeting all-time between Seattle University and Utah State, but the first game between the two schools in almost 36 years. The first meeting took place Dec. 1, 1956, in the Idaho State College Invitational in Pocatello, Idaho, a 66-59 Seattle U victory. Utah State won the next meeting on Dec. 3, 1959, in Seattle, 85-73. The two schools met twice per season every year from 1965-66 through 1975-76, when Seattle U swept Utah State (75-66 in Seattle, 79-73 in Logan). Utah State's last victories over Seattle U came in the 1974-75 season (83-72 in Logan, 63-61 in Seattle). Utah State leads the overall series, 14-13, including a 9-4 advantage in Logan.
MILESTONE WATCH: After passing the 1,000-point mark Nov. 22 at Montana State, senior Aaron Broussard is working his way up the Seattle U all-time scoring list. He currently has 1,089 career points, one point behind David Horner for 27th on the all-time scoring list. Broussard also has 132 career steals, tied with Eric Briggs for eighth place on the career steals list.
COMING ATTRACTIONS: Seattle U will host Virginia at KeyArena Wednesday, Dec. 21, beginning at 7:10 p.m. The game will be broadcast by ROOT Sports with Brad Adam, Francis Williams, and Jen Mueller. At halftime, Seattle U legend Eddie Miles, "The Man With The Golden Arm", will be honored for his contributions to the program both in his playing days and in current times. Also, Northwest Harvest is inviting all fans to bring non-perishable food items as donations for those less fortunate. Bins accepting the donations will be stationed at each entrance. Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster and at the KeyArena Box Office.