Seattle U defeats UTSA 68-71
Seattle U Edges UTSA in Thrilling 71-68 Victory
The University of Texas at San Antonio's (UTSA) Convocation Center was electric on Tuesday as the Roadrunners hosted their first non-conference matchup against Seattle University (USU). However, it was the visiting Redhawks who ultimately emerged victorious in a back-and-forth contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Trailing 24-37 at halftime, USU showed remarkable resilience, outscoring UTSA by an equal 14 points in the second half to take a thrilling 71-68 win. The game's largest lead was just three points, with both teams displaying impressive defensive prowess throughout.
Seattle U's strength came from their efficient shooting, particularly beyond the arc, as Brayden Maldonado led the way with 15 points and three made threes on 44.4% efficiency. Maleek Arington also chipped in six assists to anchor the Redhawks' offense.
For UTSA, Macaleab Rich was nearly unstoppable from the field, scoring a season-high 25 points on an impressive 2-4 mark from beyond the arc and 73.3% shooting overall. Matheo Coffi provided crucial support with ten rebounds, seven points, and two assists.
The advanced team statistics revealed a battle for eFG% supremacy, with USU ultimately edging UTSA at 41.9%. However, the Roadrunners' superior free throw shooting was a stark contrast to their relatively low field goal percentage, as they shot an impressive 75%.
For Seattle U, their ability to limit turnovers and capitalize on fast break opportunities played a significant role in their victory. They committed just 13 turnovers compared to UTSA's 16, resulting in 22 points off turnovers.
This win marks a turning point for USU, which has now demonstrated the ability to compete against top-tier opponents. For UTSA, this loss serves as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in their quest for success in conference play.
In a game that showcased both teams' prowess and poise, Seattle U's resilience ultimately earned them the hard-fought 71-68 victory over their host rivals.