PULLMAN, Wash. – Little went right for Seattle University men’s basketball Wednesday night in Pullman as the Redhawks’ bid for a season sweep of their intra-state rival Washington State fell short in a 70-58 Cougar win from Beasley Coliseum.
The Redhawks (14-9, 3-7 WCC) shot just 34.4 percent from the field, including 3-of-21 from three, while WSU (10-13, 5-5 WCC) came out hot in the first half and kept it going enough in the second to lead nearly wire-to-wire.
Brayden Maldonado finished as Seattle U’s leading scorer for the 13th game, but he had just two points at halftime and did not score hid first field goal until the 14:30 mark of the second half. Big men Austin Maurer and Houran Dan had 10 and nine points, respectively, but both battled foul trouble much of the night. Maleek Arington added eight points, two assists and five steals as the Redhawks forced 19 total Cougar turnovers.
The Redhawks stayed within striking distance early, trading baskets through the opening minutes before Washington State used an 11-0 run late in the first half to take control. Seattle U closed the gap with strong interior play and second-chance opportunities, but the Cougars carried a 36-30 advantage into halftime.
Seattle U continued to compete in the second half, cutting the deficit to single digits on multiple occasions. However, Washington State answered each push, extending its lead to as many as 14 late in the second half.
Rihards Vavers had a game-high 24 points for the Cougars, including five threes. Ace Glass added 14 points and ND Okafor had 13.
Washington State connected on 8-of-19 from deep, a sharp improvement from a 4-of-27 performance in the season’s first meeting. Despite winning the battle in points off turnovers (21–15) and holding an edge in second-chance points, Seattle U was unable to close the gap down the stretch.
Seattle U is back in action next Wednesday, hosting Pepperdine in a 7 p.m. tip-off from the Redhawk Center.
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