BLACKOUT: Seattle University brings a four-game home winning streak into Thursday's game against Pepperdine. For the first time ever, the Redhawks will wear their black jerseys at KeyArena as part of the RedZone-sponsored Blackout Night, as Seattle U fans are encouraged to wear black to set the atmosphere. Pepperdine will have to slow down a Redhawk offense that has been hitting its field goal attempts over the past seven games.
PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP
Seattle University
- Guard: #5 Cervante Burrell - 5-10, 170 - Sr.
- Guard: #10 Sterling Carter - 6-0, 200 - So.
- Forward: #2 Aaron Broussard - 6-5, 225 - Sr.
- Forward: #12 Clarence Trent - 6-6, 225 - So.
- Forward: #25 Eric Wallace - 6-7, 233 - Sr.
THE NORTHWEST GAME: It was a team effort for Seattle University as the Redhawks jumped out to an early lead and cruised to a 90-58 victory over Northwest University Tuesday night at KeyArena. The Seattle U bench outscored the Northwest reserves, 51-23, led by Jarell Flora with 15 points and Chad Rasmussen with 13 points. Sterling Carter contributed 10 points and five rebounds, while Allen Tate played the most of any Redhawk, finishing with six points, three rebounds, four assists, and six steals in 28 minutes of action. Seattle U started out the game by scoring 14 of the first 15 points, including eight points by Aaron Broussard, followed by another 20-3 scoring run that gave the Redhawks a 34-7 advantage with nine minutes left in the first half. Seattle U scored 10 unanswered points later in the first half to extend its advantage to 44-12, but Northwest responded with an 11-0 run, highlighted by three three-pointers from Rich Skillman, to close the gap to 19 at 44-23. The Redhawks scored the final seven points of the first half to go into the locker room with a 51-23 halftime lead. In the game, Seattle U shot 54.4 percent (37-of-68) from the field, including 7-of-14 from behind the three-point line, and enjoyed a significant 52-27 rebounding edge.
SCOUTING PEPPERDINE: The Waves come into Thursday's game with an 8-17 overall record. After starting the season 7-5, Pepperdine has lost 12 of its last 13 games. The Waves are scoring 58.5 points per game and giving up 65.3 points per contest. As a team, Pepperdine is shooting 39.3 percent from the field, including 31.9 percent from behind the three-point line, and 66.8 percent from the free throw line. Taylor Darby leads the team in scoring with 11.5 points per game, while Corbin Moore is contributing 9.9 points and a team-high 8.6 rebounds per game. Caleb Willis leads the team with 3.6 assists per game.
SEATTLE U VS. PEPPERDINE: This will be the 32nd meeting all-time between Seattle University and Pepperdine, with Seattle U holding a 19-12 series edge. The series began with consecutive games at Pepperdine in the 1951-52 season, with the two teams splitting the contests. Seattle U would win the next 11 meetings, starting with back-to-back victories in Seattle in the 1953-54 campaign. That streak would continue during Seattle U's first season as Pepperdine's conference foe in the 1971-72 season, with Seattle U scoring over 100 points in each of those games. Pepperdine broke through the next season, sweeping the season series in 1972-73. Pepperdine has won five of the last six meetings, including an 84-64 victory over the Redhawks in Malibu last season.
COURTSIDE CLUB LUNCHEON: The Courtside Club will hold its third luncheon of the season Monday, Feb. 20, at FX McRory's in Pioneer Square. All those who attend the luncheon will receive two free tickets to that night's men's basketball game between Seattle U and UC Davis. Mike "The Gasman" Gastineau of KJR will be the guest speaker. The event begins with a reception at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch at 12 noon.
NATIONAL STATISTICAL RANKINGS: Aaron Broussard is now tied for 32nd in Division I in scoring, averaging 18.4 points per game. As a team, the Redhawks is fourth in the country in rebounding (40.9 rpg) and tied for 48th in scoring (74.3 ppg).