HONOLULU, HI – Seattle University men's basketball nearly completed a comeback in its 2026-27 season opener Monday night, rallying from a 16-point first-half deficit to take a late lead before Hawaii secured a 74-73 victory on a last-second basket at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.
The Redhawks (0-1) had three players reach double figures, led by Will Heimbrodt and Mason Williams with 20 points apiece. Heimbrodt added four rebounds and three assists, while Williams connected on three three-pointers and went 3-for-3 at the free-throw line. Halvine Dzellat recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, and Tyler Boston contributed eight points and a team-high six assists.
Hawaii (1-0) jumped out to an early advantage, building a 16-point lead at 33-17 with 7:26 remaining in the first half. Seattle U worked to chip away at the deficit with Williams scoring 15 points in the opening half and Heimbrodt adding 10, including a driving layup in the final seconds to send the Redhawks into the break trailing 47-39.
Seattle U continued to battle in the second half, gradually closing the gap. A three-pointer from Williams off a Boston assist brought the Redhawks within seven at 52-45, and Maleek Arington followed with a transition three to make it 56-48. Ray Adams also provided a spark off the bench, knocking down a three-pointer with 11:12 remaining to pull Seattle U within seven.
The Redhawks continued to apply pressure defensively, creating opportunities to get out in transition. Heimbrodt scored on a fast-break layup with 9:45 remaining to bring Seattle U within three at 58-55.
After Hawaii briefly pushed its advantage back to six, Seattle U continued its charge. Dzellat converted inside, and Heimbrodt scored consecutive baskets to help the Redhawks take their first lead of the night. Williams then calmly converted both attempts at the free-throw line with 2:56 remaining, giving Seattle U a 67-64 advantage.
The teams traded baskets down the stretch in a back-and-forth finish. Boston drove for a layup to put the Redhawks ahead 69-66, and Dzellat added another basket inside to make it 71-68 with 1:55 remaining.
Heimbrodt's final basket came with 1:15 on the clock, giving Seattle U a 73-70 lead. Hawaii answered with a pair of free throws to pull within one, and after the Redhawks came up empty on two free-throw attempts with 13 seconds remaining, the Rainbow Warriors had one final opportunity.
Hawaii’s Jaden Matingou converted a pull-up jumper with one second remaining to give the home team a 74-73 lead. Seattle U was unable to get off a final attempt as time expired.
The Redhawks return to Seattle to host Portland State on Saturday, Nov. 7. Tip off from the Redhawk Center is set for 7 p.m.
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