In a decisive victory, the Seattle University Redhawks outlasted the Portland Pilots 71-59 at the Redhawk Center on Friday night. The Redhawks' 12-point margin of victory was a reflection of their overall dominance, as they outscored the Pilots in both halves, 29-20 and 42-39, respectively. Seattle U's 71 points marked a significant improvement over Portland's 59, underscoring the disparity in team performance.
The outcome was a testament to the Redhawks' ability to execute their game plan, as they capitalized on their advantage in NET ranking, coming in at #124 compared to Portland's #223. While the Pilots put up a valiant effort, they ultimately fell short, unable to bridge the gap between the two teams. As the game wore on, Seattle U's superiority became increasingly evident, as they pulled away from Portland to secure the win.
Austin Maurer's consistent shooting performance was a key factor in Seattle U's victory, as he connected on 5 of his 6 field goal attempts and went 2 for 2 from beyond the arc and at the free throw line. His 14 points and 5 rebounds were notable contributions to the Redhawks' cause. Maurer's efficiency from the field and at the line suggests he was able to capitalize on scoring opportunities when presented with them.
John Christofilis and Will Heimbrodt also played significant roles in the Redhawks' win. Christofilis' 14 points came from a more erratic shooting performance, with 5 of 14 field goal attempts and 4 of 9 three-point attempts connecting. However, his outside shooting was a significant factor in Seattle U's offense. Meanwhile, Heimbrodt's 11 points and 8 rebounds were supplemented by 2 assists and 2 blocks, showcasing his all-around abilities.
Joel Foxwell led the Portland offense with 20 points, shooting 4-8 from three-point range. While his efficiency from beyond the arc was a bright spot, Foxwell's overall shooting percentage was a concern, converting just 41.7% of his field goal attempts. Despite his scoring output, Foxwell's 3 rebounds and 3 assists were relatively modest, suggesting that he may have been more focused on scoring than facilitating for his teammates.
Jermaine Ballisager Webb's 10 points and 7 rebounds were a decent effort, but his shooting percentages were underwhelming, particularly from three-point range where he converted just 0-2 attempts. Webb's lack of assists was also notable, as he struggled to create for his teammates and was ultimately shut down by the Seattle U defense. James O'Donnell's 14 points, meanwhile, were largely the result of his perfect shooting from the free throw line, as he failed to register a single field goal attempt.
Seattle U's Jojo Murphy demonstrated a significant upward shift in his production, eclipsing his season averages by substantial margins in multiple categories. His 11-point outing was a notable departure from his typical 4.7 points per game, while his 7-rebound performance was nearly a 5-rebound increase from his average. Additionally, Murphy's 4 assists were 3 more than his season average, suggesting a heightened level of playmaking ability. This marked a notable outlier performance, with Murphy's overall efficiency (4-11 FG, 1-4 3PT, 2-2 FT) also warranting attention as he navigated the challenging shooting environment.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
The final margin of 12 points was in line with pre-game expectations, with Seattle U emerging victorious by a score of 71-59. The Redhawks' performance was marked by a notable uptick in efficiency, as they connected on 46.6% of their field goals, a significant improvement from their season average. Conversely, Portland struggled to find their rhythm, converting at just 43.8% from the field.
Seattle U's increased shooting efficiency was a decisive factor in the game's outcome, as the Redhawks' offense was able to capitalize on their improved field goal percentage. Furthermore, their 35.7% three-point shooting, a 2.7 percentage point increase from their season average, proved to be a crucial component of their attack. Meanwhile, Portland's low OREB rate of 9.5%, a stark departure from their season average, allowed Seattle U to maintain control of the boards and limit the Pilots' second-chance opportunities. These factors ultimately contributed to the Redhawks' 12-point victory.
Seattle U's win over Portland marks a crucial turning point in their NCAA Tournament resume, as they now boast a 2-2 record in Quad 2 games, which should solidify their position as a likely 15-seed in the tournament. Meanwhile, Portland's loss drops them to 0-7 in Quad 2, making it increasingly unlikely they'll secure a 14-seed or higher. With Seattle U's NET ranking improving to #124, they've strengthened their case for a spot in the tournament, while Portland's NET ranking has dipped to #223, putting their postseason hopes in jeopardy.