EL PASO, Texas – Seattle University men's basketball could not overcome a big first-half deficit, dropping an 88-72 decision to UTEP at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas Saturday afternoon.
The Redhawks (3-6) made things respectable in the second half, outscoring the Miners (6-3) 49-40 and closing out the game with a 23-11 advantage. But UTEP's pesky defense overwhelmed Seattle U early and the home team took a 48-23 lead into the break.
Seattle U managed just 8-of-23 from the field in the opening frame while 11 Miner steals contributed to 12 Redhawk turnovers.
Leading with a more aggressive defense in the second half, the Redhawks flipped the turnover margin, forcing UTEP into 10 giveaways while committing just five of their own. The defensive effort helped the offense find some flow, as Seattle U shot 14-of-26 (54%) from the field and 6-of-14 (43) from three in the frame.
Paris Dawson poured in 15 of his team-high 18 points in the second frame, finishing 6-of-10 from the field, including 4-of-8 from three. Matthew-Alexander Moncrieffe added 14 points and eight rebounds. John Christofilis rounded out a trio of Redhawks in double figures with 13 points.
UTEP was paced by Ahmad Bynum's 19 points. Otis Frazier III added 18 points, including 12 in the first half.
The Redhawks return to Seattle next week, breaking from action for finals week before hosting Pacific University (Ore.) on Saturday, Dec. 14. Tip off is scheduled for 5 p.m. Pacific at the Redhawk Center.
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