SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Seattle University men’s basketball put up a fight against West Coast Conference leader Santa Clara Wednesday night at the Leavey Center. But despite a late push that included eight consecutive made field goals, the Broncos remained unbeaten this season at home with an 84-72 win over the Redhawks.
Junseok Yeo and Brayden Maldonado had 17 points apiece to lead four Redhawks in double figures. Maldonado knocked down five triples, including 4-of-4 in the second half, while Yeo hauled in a career high 12 rebounds for his first career double-double. Will Heimbrodt and Houran Dan added 11 points apiece for Seattle U (15-11, 4-9 WCC).
Neither team shot particularly well in the first half of play and the Redhawks found themselves in a big hole early as Santa Clara (22-5, 13-1 WCC) used a 15-0 run to lead 17-5. Seattle U would slowly battle back, pulling within one, 25-24, on a John Christofilis three with 5:49 remaining in the first.
The Broncos would eventually take a 33-29 lead into the break.
Both sides found better offensive rhythm in the second half as Seattle U shot 54% in the frame, including 7-of-9 from three, while the Broncos hit at a 59% clip.
The Redhawks trimmed the deficit down to six twice with just under three minutes to play. But after hitting eight consecutive shots, Seattle U missed their final two attempts along with a pair of turnovers in the final 1:32. Santa Clara sealed its 13th home win of the year by scoring the game’s final six points, including 4-of-4 from the free throw line.
Sash Gavalyugov came off the bench to lead all scorers with 21 points. Christian Hammond had 17 points and Allen Graves added 15 for the Broncos.
The Redhawks return to Seattle for a three-game homestead, beginning Sunday, Feb. 15 versus Oregon State. Tip off from the Redhawk Center is 5 p.m. on ESPN+.
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