SPOKANE, Wash. – Seattle University men’s basketball went toe-to-toe with No. 7 Gonzaga for 45 minutes on Friday night before ultimately coming up short in an 80-72 overtime decision at the McCarthey Athletic Center.
The Redhawks (12-4, 1-2 WCC) led for nearly 35 minutes, using a 17-1 run early in the first half to erase an early Gonzaga (15-1, 3-0 WCC) lead and taking a 37-29 advantage into the break.
Brayden Maldonado led Seattle U with 17 points, five assists and four steals, while John Christofilis provided a big spark off the bench, knocking down four three-pointers on his way to 12 points. In his return to The Kennel, Junseok Yeo, who spent two-plus seasons at Gonzaga before transferring to Seattle U this past offseason, added 10 points. Will Heimbrodt had 10 points and 12 rebounds for, and Houran Dan chipped in seven points and eight rebounds.
Seattle U used ball movement, timely shooting and strong rebounding to quiet the crowd early, knocking down seven three-pointers in the opening 20 minutes and limiting Gonzaga’s perimeter looks.
The Redhawks opened up their largest lead of the night, 44-31, early in the second half following a Heimbrodt layup that forced Gonzaga head coach Mark Few to call a timeout. The lead was 13 once more, 52-39, following a Christofilis three, before the Bulldogs began to gain some momentum and chip away. Seattle U had multiple chances in the closing seconds to reclaim the lead, but Maldonado’s final three-point attempt was blocked as time expired, sending the game to overtime tied at 65.
The Bulldogs seized momentum in the extra period, outscoring Seattle U 15-7. Gonzaga shot 4-of-6 from the field and 7-of-8 from the free-throw line in overtime, while the Redhawks managed just two field goals.
Braden Huff led all scorers with 28 points. Graham Ike added 24 points and 10 rebounds while Tyon Grant-foster had 19 points for Gonzaga.
The 80 points scored by the Zags was the third lowest of the season, while the 29-point first half matched Gonzaga’s season low, which previously happened in a 101-61 loss to Michigan. The Redhawks’ defense never allowed a scoring run of more than eight, edged the Zags on the boards, 41-40 and allowed just four three pointers on the night. The also turned a better result in points off turnovers with a 17-11 edge.
The Redhawks’ West Coast Conference road swing continues Sunday in Moraga, Calif., as they go head-to-head with Saint Mary’s. Tip off from University Credit Union Pavilion is 5 p.m. on ESPN+.
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