DAVIS, Calif. – Seattle University men’s basketball added another chapter to its early-season surge on Wednesday night, edging UC Davis 79-78 at the University Credit Union Center to improve to 9–2 on the season — the program’s best start since the 1968-69 campaign.
In a back-and-forth contest that featured 12 lead changes and seven ties, the Redhawks delivered in the game’s final moments to secure their second true road win of the season. Will Heimbrodt led the Redhawks with 20 points and sealed the victory at the free-throw line with two seconds remaining, knocking down the decisive attempt after a foul on the Aggies’ final defensive stand.
Junseok Yeo added 15 points and a team-high nine rebounds, while Austin Maurer chipped in 14 points and nine boards in his first career start to anchor a balanced Seattle U attack. Brayden Maldonado finished with 12 points and nine boards, and made several key plays late, including a putback layup in the final 20 seconds that gave the Redhawks a three-point cushion.
Seattle U jumped out to an early advantage, building a 14-point lead midway through the first half behind efficient shooting and strong defensive pressure. UC Davis (5-5) responded with a surge of its own, tying the game at 43 apiece at halftime.
The second half unfolded as a tightly contested affair, with neither team able to create separation. Seattle U’s interior presence proved decisive, as the Redhawks outscored the Aggies 38-24 in the paint and held a significant edge in second-chance points.
After UC Davis tied the game at 78–78 with eight seconds left, Seattle U calmly executed on its final possession. Heimbrodt drew contact driving to the basket and split a pair of free throws, setting up a last-second miss from the Aggies to secure the one-point victory.
Riding four straight wins, the Redhawks return to Seattle to host crosstown rival Washington in a Battle for Seattle on Friday, Dec. 19. Tip off from Climate Pledge Arena is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. The game will air live on ESPN2.
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