Fans packed the stands, students filled up the Redzone student section, many families were in attendance for family weekend and everyone was eager for the beginning of the game. The energy in the Redhawk Center was vibrant as the Seattle University men’s basketball team prepared to take on Liberty University for the first home matchup of the 2024-25 season, and the 2024 Homecoming game. After an unfortunate loss during the season opener vs. Eastern Washington University this past Wednesday, the team was looking to bounce back against a competitive Liberty Flames squad.
This Seattle U squad is filled with a lot of notable talent, with the likes of forward Matthew-Alexander Moncrieffe joining the Redhawks this year from the University of Georgia as a grad student transfer. Returning is John Christofilis, a local Redshirt Junior guard who was an All-WAC pre-season selection this year, as well as senior forward, Kobe Williamson, the all-time record holder for blocks at Seattle U. Unfortunately, Williamson has not appeared in the first two games this season, due to a metatarsal injury, and his status is unknown for the upcoming games.
The Flames won the tipoff and struck first with Junior guard Colin Porter laying one up for two. But the Redhawks responded quickly, with Sophomore forward Malek Gomma putting one up into the basket, tying the score. From there, the game was a back-and-forth battle with both teams putting on strong defensive performances, leading to a 27-27 score at the half.
After only scoring three points in the first half, Christofilis started to find his groove after halftime. In the second half, he scored 13 points, finding some offensive momentum for the Redhawks. With just over a minute and half left in the game, the Redhawks had a six-point lead over the Flames, but the Liberty offense was able to make some big plays to bring the score to 63-64 with just a minute left in the contest.
In the final seconds of the game, Liberty’s Kaden Metheny drained a three-pointer, giving the Flames the lead with three seconds left. The Redhawks got the ball back, but the inbound pass from Vasja Pandza was stolen by Liberty’s Owen Aquino, securing the win for the Flames.
Despite not taking home the win on Saturday, there were many positive takeaways from the game. Chris Victor is going into his fourth year as head coach for the Seattle U men’s basketball team.
“I’m really proud of how we played and competed this game… our intensity on defense was where we wanted it to be and throughout the game the guys stayed together which is great to see,” Victor said.
Both Christofilis and Moncrieffe have had hot starts to their 2024-25 seasons, with Christofilis posting a stat-line of 33 points, six rebounds and eight three-pointers in the last two games, and Moncrieffe scoring 32 points with 15 rebounds in the last two games. But despite the impressive stats, both players have expressed that the team’s success is their main priority.
“I’m not really so much so focused on the stats I just want to come out and, you know, win,” Moncrieffe said.
Christofilis agreed with Moncrieffe regarding the outcome of the game.
“As much as those [stats] are cool and stuff, it doesn’t matter if we don’t win… I want to put my team in the best-case scenario to win and that’s what I try to do each and every day I go out on the court,” Christofilis said.
Christofilis and Moncrieffe weren’t the only impact players in this game. Junior guard and fellow starter, Maleek Arington, put up eight points, five steals and four rebounds during the contest. Arington left the game with 9:49 left in the half after falling hard on a play and suffering an injury to his head, he returned to the game minutes later with bandages over his eyebrow and finished the game. Coming off the bench, Senior guard Paris Dawson and Vasja Pandza both had nine points.
Another player who had an impressive performance off the bench was the 6 foot 10 freshman center from Neimenggu, China, Houran Dan. Dan came off the bench, scoring six points, including a big dunk that got the crowd on their feet, along with five rebounds and two blocks.
It is still very early in the season for the Redhawks, so it is too soon to make any assumptions about how this year will look for the team. What can be said is that this squad is loaded with talent, ranging from young newcomers to veteran athletes who will be leading this team to success. The team hits the road this week, taking on Cal Poly Nov. 14 and UC San Diego Nov. 16. This team will be an exciting one to watch this year and fans are looking forward to seeing what the future holds for the squad.
