The Seattle University men’s basketball team was unable to extend their winning streak to six games, falling to Grand Canyon University 71-60.
The Redhawks started off slow, hitting just one of their first 10 shots as the Antelopes jumped out to an early 9-2 lead. Despite the slow start, Seattle U was able to hang around in the first half, thanks in large part to four three-pointers from redshirt junior guard Manroop Clair. A four-point play from Clair, followed by a jump shot from sophomore guard Jadon Cohee tied the game at nine.
Grand Canyon (22-4, 8-2) took the lead again, but a bucket by senior center Jack Crook brought the score back within one, 17-16. Grand Canyon responded by draining two three-point shots and also knocking down a jumper and a layup, extending their lead to nine, 27-18.
Seattle U (12-12, 6-4 WAC) closed the half out strong, holding the Antelopes scoreless over the last 3:10 of the first half. Clair scored five straight points and brought the Redhawks back to within four points, 32-28, to close the half.
Seattle U and Grand Canyon traded buckets to begin the second half, but two Grand Canyon free throws gave them the lead at 40-35. The Redhawks followed with a 13-4 scoring run, taking the lead for the first time in the game at 48-40, but the Antelopes followed that up with a 15-2 scoring run of their own to retake the lead 59-50.
Grand Canyon had the largest lead of the game (13), and led for 33 minutes 51 seconds. Seattle U led for 2:52, with their largest and only led coming midway through the second half when they were up by four.
Seattle U won the rebounding contest, out rebounding Grand Canyon 35-31, but turnovers and a sub-par shooting night ultimately led to the Redhawks’ defeat. Head coach Cameron Dollar knows that the team must play better going forward.
“I thought we were tough at times, but it was spotty, which is why we did not shoot at a higher percentage tonight,” Dollar said. “[Grand Canyon] basically had their way with us, which is a credit to them, especially coming into our home. We just have to get better, especially as we now go
on the road.”
Clair led Seattle U in scoring, finishing with 20 points in just 25 minutes of action. Manny Chibuogwu finished with 12 points and four rebounds, while Crook and Westendorf both finished with seven points on the night. The Redhawks turned the ball over 16 times, to Grand Canyon’s eight.
The Redhawks will take to the road for three of their last four games, going up against UTRGV, New Mexico State and CSU Bakersfield. Seattle U will play its final home game of the regular season when it hosts Utah Valley on Feb. 27.
AJ may be reached at [email protected]
