HONOLULU – In their first ever game on Christmas Day, Seattle U men's basketball utilized a 15-0 first half run to break things open against George Washington University and ride their way to an 85-67 victory on the final day of the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic.
The Redhawks close out non-conference play at 9-4, picking up nine wins before Western Athletic Conference play for the second straight year.
Cameron Tyson led five Redhawks in double figures, finishing with 20 points, including a 7-for-7 free throw performance in a second-half four-second span. Brandon Chatfield had 16 points and nine rebounds, Emeka Udenyi finished with a 12-point, 10-rebound double double and Viktor Rajković added 12 points and five boards in 19 minutes of action.
Brendan Adams paced the Colonials (6-7) with 19 points. Maximus Edwards added 16 and James Bishop had 12.
Leading 26-19 with 7:38 remaining in the first half, the Redhawks went on a 15-0 run to open up a 41-19 spread at the 1:23 mark. George Washington would score the final five points of the half and Seattle U took a 41-24 lead into the break.
The Redhawks dominated nearly every statistical category in the first 20 minutes, earning 14 points off GW turnovers, a 26-13 rebounding edge and 30-10 points-in-the-paint advantage.
Seattle U's lead was as many as 23 in the second half, and a Chatfield three with 13:14 to play made it 64-43 Redhawks. But a nearly 10-minute span without a field goal made things more interesting late.
The Colonials cut the spread down to 12 before a pair of technical fouls issued to the GW coaching staff led to four made free throws by Tyson. He was then fouled shooting a three on the ensuing possession, draining three more from the stripe.
Tyson's third three of the game snapped the cold spell and the Redhawks went on to clinch the 18-point win.
Seattle U returns to home to begin Western Athletic Conference play on Saturday. Dec. 31, hosting California Baptist in a 3 p.m. tilt at the Redhawk Center.
Single game tickets for all remaining home games, as well as flex packages, are available now. To purchase, visit goseattleu.com/tix. For more information about courtside seating or VIP hospitality, please contact the Seattle U Athletics box office at 206-398-GOSU or seattleutickets@seattleu.edu.
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