CORVALLIS, Ore. – Seattle University men’s basketball was unable to overcome a cold-shooting second half Thursday night, dropping their third straight West Coast Conference road game, 68-55 to Oregon State at Gill Coliseum.
The Redhawks (12-6, 1-4 WCC) and Beavers (9-9, 2-3 WCC) were locked in a tightly contested first half that featured nine ties and 12 lead changes. A 13-point first half by Brayden Maldonado helped Seattle U to its largest lead of the night, 17-11, at the 9:48 mark of the first frame. Oregon State would eventually carry a slim 37-35 advantage into the break despite the Redhawks shooting 42 percent from the field and knocking down five three-pointers in the opening 20 minutes.
The momentum shifted after halftime, as the Redhawks struggled to find an offensive rhythm. Seattle U was limited to just five field goals in the second half and shot a season-low 17 percent from the floor, allowing Oregon State to slowly build separation. The Beavers capitalized on second-chance opportunities, outscoring Seattle U 25-2 in that category for the game.
Despite the offensive challenges, Seattle U continued to battle defensively and cut the deficit to five early in the second half. Maleek Arington hit a three to give the Redhawks a brief lead, and Austin Maurer provided a spark inside, finishing with eight points and a team-high seven rebounds.
Oregon State pulled away in the final eight minutes behind balanced scoring, pushing its lead to as many as 14 late in the game.
Maldonado led Seattle U with 13 points, all in the first half as he battled foul trouble throughout the game and eventually fouled out with 4:36 to play. John Christofilis had 11 points off the bench. Austin Maurer and Will Heimbrodt each added eight points, while Arington contributed four points, six rebounds and five assists.
Seattle U finished the night shooting 30 percent from the field and 23 percent from three-point range. The Redhawks forced 14 turnovers but were unable to convert consistently on the offensive end in the second half.
The Beavers were paced by Isaiah Sy, Yaak Yaak and Jorge Diaz Graham, who each finished with 13 points. Graham added a game-high 11 rebounds.
Seattle U returns home for its next three, beginning Wednesday, Jan. 15 versus San Diego. Tip off is 7 p.m. at the Redhawk Center.
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