STANFORD, Calif. – Seattle University men’s basketball delivered a signature early-season statement Friday night, rallying from a 13-point second-half deficit to defeat Stanford, 77-69, at Maples Pavilion – the Redhawks’ first-ever win over the Cardinal in program history.
Seattle U (4-1) dominated the final 10 minutes, outscoring Stanford 34-12 down the stretch behind elite defensive pressure, clutch perimeter shooting and a poised closing effort at the free-throw line.
After trailing 57-44 with 11:31 remaining, the Redhawks locked in defensively, holding Stanford (4-1) to just 8-of-34 shooting (23.5%) in the second half while forcing nine Cardinal turnovers.
Seattle U’s 10-0 run midway through the half punctuated the comeback, highlighted by big plays from Maleek Arington, Junseok Yeo and Will Heimbrodt.
“The first 25-28 minutes we weren’t playing like us. Whether it was our first road game, or what Stanford was doing to us on the offensive and defensive end, something was missing from our guys. We were’t ourselves,” said Head Coach Chris Victor. “I felt like that stretch where we came back and cut it seven, then back to 10 then back to seven again, something clicked for our guys.
“I’m so proud of this team. Down 13, with nothing going our way, individuals weren’t playing great, they stayed in the fight. They believed and they clawed their way back.”
Yeo scored 15 points on an efficient 5-of-9 shooting night, including a key three-pointer and tough finishes in traffic during the comeback push. Arington added nine points, seven rebounds, and a team-high six assists, stabilizing the offense late and hitting a big corner three to tie the game at 63.
Seattle U’s depth proved decisive, with the bench outscoring Stanford, 21-13. Austin Maurer finished with eight points and two blocks while John Christofilis added eight points including a momentum-shifting three in the first half.
Senior guard Brayden Maldonado scored six of his eight points in the second half from the line, going 6-for-6 in the final 45 seconds to shut the door on Stanford’s comeback attempts.
The first half of play saw nine lead changes and seven ties as Stanford carried a 41-37 lead into the break. The Cardinal built a 13-point lead over the first nine minutes of the second half as the Redhawks went back on their heels and went cold from the field.
Up Next
The Redhawks remain on the road next week, taking part in the Resorts World Classic in Las Vegas on Friday, Nov. 28 and Saturday, Nov. 29. Seattle U faces Texas State in the opening game, then faces either UC Santa Barbara or Lehigh on Saturday.
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