The Seattle University men’s basketball team opened conference play on the road last week, with games against the University of Missouri- Kansas City and
Chicago State.

Starting at UMKC, the Redhawks were playing from behind from the outset as the Kangaroos jumped out to an early 13-2 lead. Seattle U would battle back after freshman center Aaron Menzies came off the bench and scored six straight points, closing the gap to just five.

However, Missouri-Kansas City would battle back, and outscored the Redhawks 11-5 over the last six minutes of the first half, giving the Kangaroos a lead of 38-26 heading into the half.

In the second half, Seattle U was able to cut the lead to eight thanks to a three-pointer from junior guard Manroop Clair. However, UMKC went on a 16-4 run over the next six minutes, opening up a 20-point lead at 59-39.

Seattle U would surge back with a run of their own, outscoring Missouri- Kansas City 11-2 late in the game, but the Kangaroos finished the game 8-for-8 from the free throw line to ice the game.

“We made too many unforced errors in the first 10 minutes and dug ourselves into a big hole, which you cannot do on the road,” Seattle U head coach Cameron Dollar said.

Clair finished the game as the leading scorer with 20 points, shooting 7-of-16 and 4-of-11 from three-point range. Junior guard Brendan Westendorf finished with 17 points on 5-for-15 shooting and 3-of-8 from three-point range.

The second half of the road trip was a little more favorable for the Redhawks. After jumping out to an early 11-1 lead, Seattle kept their foot on the gas pedal and never gave up the lead. Another big 10-1 scoring run by Seattle U put the Redhawks up big heading into half with a score of 34-15, the fewest points allowed in a half so far this season.

“We came out right away, competed, and made some shots early,” Dollar said. “ We were really good defensively throughout the game, and we were able to finish it…I am pleased with the overall team effort.”

Senior Jack Crook and sophomore Jadon Cohee led Seattle U (7-9, 1-1 WAC) in scoring with 12 points each, while Westendorf netted 11 points with five rebounds and four assists.

Seattle U’s next game will be at home to take on CSU Bakersfield (12-5, 2-0 WAC) this Saturday, Jan. 16 at Key Arena. Tip off is set for 7:30.

AJ can be reached at
[email protected]