RICHMOND, Va. – Seattle University men's basketball battled VCU to the buzzer Saturday afternoon in the Siegel Center, but the Rams would get the upper hand down the stretch, holding on for a 60-56 final.
The Redhawks (2-2) led 28-27 at the break and extended the lead to as many as eight midway through the second half. But a late VCU (3-1) rally, including a 9-0 spurt in the final minutes, sparked the home team.
Kobe Williamson led Seattle U with a career-high 17 points, including 12 in the first half. The junior forward went to work in the paint, including eight straight points that tied the game, 25-25. He would add a pair of free throws to give the Redhawks the lead at the break.
It was Seattle U's defense the propelled the first half surge. Trailing 21-8, the Redhawks would outscore VCU 20-6 over the final eight minutes of the frame.
The Redhawks maintained the edge until the final two minutes of the game as a 9-0 swing pushed VCU in front, 58-53, with 17 seconds remaining.
Alex Schumacher went the length of the floor on the ensuing possession, converting the and-1 lay-up and free throw. But the Rams sealed the game with two final free throws.
Joining Williamson in double figures were Cameron Tyson with 15 points and Alex Schumacher with 11. Brandton Chatfield finished with nine points and eight boards.
VCU was led by Zen Jackson's 20 points. Toibu Lawal added 10 points for the Rams.
The Redhawks return to Seattle to host a pair of games over the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday weekend. First up is a Wednesday, Nov. 22 meeting with Idaho, under the direction of former Seattle U Associate Head Coach Alex Pribble. Tip off is set for 5 p.m. from the Redhawk Center.
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