The Seattle University men’s basketball team entered this week’s games with a 19-6 overall record and 10-2 mark in Western Athletic Conference (WAC) action. They are looking to continue playing well over their remaining five games so that they enter the 2022 HERCULES TIRES WAC BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT as one of the top seeds. On the other hand, the women’s basketball team is in need of a late season surge to secure their spot as one of the 10 teams in the league’s championship tournament.
Men’s Basketball Crushes Competition
On Feb 16, the men’s basketball team absolutely annihilated UTRGV 102-62. With the win, the Redhawks stayed atop the WAC standings and reached 20 wins in a season for the first time since 2017-18.
The game at UTRGV came just a few days after these teams competed in a hard-fought defensive affair in Seattle. After struggling to knock down shots in their last encounter, the Redhawks seemingly could not miss. As a team, they drained 21 three-pointers and shot 50 percent from the field. Redshirt sophomore guard Cameron Tyson was on fire, making a school record-tying nine three pointers as part of a 30-point performance. Sophomore guard Darrion Trammell also had a good game, scoring 19 points. All 12 Redhawks scored, including a couple players who got some rare playing time due to the score being so lopsided. Marek Nelson scored 18 points to lead the UTRGV Vaqueros.
Darrion Trammell Keeps the Redhawks First
On Saturday, Feb 19, the Redhawks hosted Cal Baptist (CBU) at Climate Pledge arena, the last game played there this season. The game went down to the wire with each team rotating clutch baskets. However, in the end, the Redhawks emerged with a thrilling 67-64 victory thanks to Trammell’s game-winning three pointer with around 3 seconds left in the game. Trammell was the star of the game as he played great defense, scored 22 points and knocked down multiple big shots over the last few minutes. Riley Grigsby scored a game high 23 points and Tyson hit multiple threes to give the offense a boost in the second half. The Redhawks defense was strong again, forcing CBU to commit 19 turnovers. Elijah Thomas led the Lancers with 16 points.
Bad Shooting Dooms Redhawks
Monday Feb 21, the Redhawks faced off against the New Mexico State Aggies with first place in the WAC on the line. This game was originally supposed to happen earlier in the season but got postponed due to COVID-19 protocols. The Aggies emerged with the huge 68-55 victory. As a result, they completed the season sweep of the Redhawks, became the first visiting team to win at the Redhawk Center this season and vaulted into sole possession of first place in the WAC.
Trammell carried over his momentum from Saturday’s game as he led his team with 24 points. Yet, he only scored five points in the second half and received little offensive help from his teammates. For example, Tyson made only one of 10 threes that he attempted. Nevertheless, Seattle U managed to keep the game close until the last few minutes when the Aggies went on a 12-3 run to wrap up the win. For the Aggies, Teddy Allen scored 19 points and Will McNair assisted him with 14 points and rebounds.
The Redhawks will try to rebound from this disappointing loss and stay in second place when they travel to Utah Valley and Dixie State this week.
Women’s Basketball Vs UTRGV
The Seattle U women’s basketball team also defeated UTRGV Feb 16. The Redhawks found themselves trailing by 15 points early in the fourth quarter. However, they managed to come back, force overtime, and eventually win the game 71-68.
Once again, their defense led the way as they forced 28 turnovers, their most in a game since 2015. Senior guard Bree Calhoun swiped seven steals, matching her career high. In the final quarter, Seattle U held the Vaqueros scoreless for over four minutes. They took advantage on offense, going on a 20-2 run to take the lead. The Redhawks had a balanced night on offense, led by Calhoun who scored13 points. Senior guard Courtney Murphy made one three, moving into second place in three-pointers made in Seattle U women’s basketball program’s history. Freshman Taliyah Clark also played a major role in the comeback. On the other side, Taylor Muff led the Vaqueros with 16 points.
Game 2: at Cal Baptist
Unfortunately, the women could not make it two wins in a row, falling at Cal Baptist Feb 19 by the score of 83-73. At one point in this back-and-forth encounter, the Redhawks were up by seven points, and they were able to stop the Lancers from scoring for multiple minutes twice during the game. Yet, CBU had too much firepower and they hit their free throws late in the game to prevent a Redhawk comeback attempt. Calhoun paced the Redhawks with 17 points while sophomore Peyton Howard scored 12 points. Caitlyn Harper accumulated 27 points to lead the Lancers in scoring.
This week, the women’s basketball team has its final two home games against Utah Valley and Dixie State. Dixie State is currently only one spot above Seattle U in the standings, so that game could be especially critical to either team’s hopes of playing in the postseason.
