Seattle U took care of business at home, defeating Loyola Marymount 69-59 behind a balanced effort from their roster. Brayden Maldonado led the charge, scoring 14 points and grabbing 5 rebounds to help the Redhawks improve to 14-7 on the season. The win was predicted by CHD Scout, who had Seattle U winning by 5.4 points, and while the margin was slightly larger than expected, the outcome was never truly in doubt.
The Redhawks dominated the first half, taking a 35-18 lead into the break. Loyola Marymount struggled to find their footing, shooting just 27% from the field in the opening period. Myron Amey Jr. was the lone bright spot for the Lions, scoring 10 of his team-high 18 points in the first half. However, even his efforts couldn't stem the tide as Seattle U's defense stifled Loyola Marymount's offense.
In the second half, Loyola Marymount made a push, outscoring Seattle U 41-34. Jalen Shelley chipped in with 13 points and 9 rebounds, while Rodney Brown Jr. added 11 points. But it was too little, too late, as the Redhawks had built a lead that was too large to overcome. Jojo Murphy and Austin Maurer provided secondary scoring for Seattle U, with 13 and 11 points, respectively.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
The win was a Quadrant 4 victory for Seattle U, which may not carry significant weight in terms of resume-building, but it's a win nonetheless. For Loyola Marymount, the loss was a Quadrant 2 defeat, which could have implications for their tournament chances down the line. While the Lions' record fell to 11-11, they still have time to make a push for a postseason berth.
Seattle U's performance was a reflection of their depth and balance. With multiple players contributing on both ends of the floor, they were able to control the tempo and dictate the flow of the game. Maldonado's all-around effort was a key factor, as he not only scored but also rebounded and defended at a high level.
As the season wears on, Seattle U want to build on this win and continue to improve their tournament resume. While this victory may not have been a marquee win, it's a step in the right direction for a team looking to make a push in the postseason. For Loyola Marymount, the focus will shift to bouncing back from this loss and finding ways to improve their offense, which struggled to find consistency against the Redhawks' defense.