Going into Saturday’s matchup against Grand Canyon University (13-7, 3-1 WAC), Seattle University (9-10, 1-3 WAC) was looking to gain some momentum in the Western Atlantic Conference (WAC), but could not pull out the win.
#1 Morgan Means played only 18 minutes, but ended with 9 points, 5 rebounds and 3 asssists in the loss to UMKC.
The Redhawks were looking to change their fortunes against the Antelopes, against whom they are 1-6 all-time.
A game after their first conference win the Redhawks dropped a tight game in which they led for nearly 33 minutes. They controlled the pace of the game in the first half and played well together, but the Lopes fought hard to stay in the game and came away with a 61-59 victory.
It was an exciting game with both teams knocking down their three point attempts. The Redhawks looked to be in control of the game taking a 52-46 lead with six minutes left to play.
This came after a sequence in which both teams couldn’t miss, knocking down seven three-pointers in a row between them.
After their next bucket the Redhawks would slump late, going scoreless over a four-minute stretch that would prove crucial. It allowed GCU to take a 58-54 lead. Sophomore guard Jack Shaughnessy would the hit a three to cut the lead to one, but that is the closest the Redhawks would get.
A series of miscues put the game out of reach for them. Down two, senior Brendan Westendorf was called for an offensive foul while driving to the basket. Two misses at the line by GCU gave the Redhawks one last chance, but Westendorf would turn the ball over again, allowing GCU to seal the game at the line.
The Lopes were led by junior Joshua Braun and senior DeWayne Russell, who scored 19 points apiece.
The Redhawks still played one of their better games of the season, shooting 47 percent from the line and playing great team defense. A down point for them was taken just six shots from the free throw line. Their defensive prowess was on full display, allowing just six points in the first 13 minutes of the game, and keeping the Lopes to 28 percent shooting in the first half. It is a frustrating loss for a team trying to put all the pieces together.
Freshman Matej Kavas followed up his career high 24 points with another solid performance, a team high 16 points on 7-13 shooting. Senior William Powell had another solid all-around performance scoring six points to go along with six assists, nine rebounds, and three steals.
The Redhawks return home this week for a three game homestand at KeyArena. They play New Mexico State on Thursday, followed by University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on Saturday as they try to get back on track in the WAC standings.
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