Seattle U wins at KeyArena

Redhawks beat Loyola Marymount, 49-39, in their first home game against Div. I foe since 1980

The Associated Press
Last updated: January 1st, 2009 08:51 PM (PST)

Playing their slow down, defensively focused style, the Redhawks pulled out a 49-39 win over Loyola Marymount on Thursday night at Seattle’s KeyArena.

It was Seattle’s first home game as a Division I school, against a Division I school, since the Redhawks dropped from the highest level of college athletics following the 1980 season.

Chris Gweth scored 12 points, including two key baskets in the final 2 1/2 minutes, as Seattle picked up its fourth win this season against Division I teams as the Redhawks compete in their transition year from Division II to Division I.

The marquee game against LMU – the last Division I team Seattle played at home in 1980 – was played before 4,835 fans at what Seattle hopes becomes its new home court, complete with the green and gold banners of the now-departed Seattle SuperSonics still hanging from the rafters.

Meanwhile, LMU’s season of misery continued. The Lions (0-15) remained one of six winless teams in the country and saw their losing streak extended to 23 games. LMU’s last win was Feb. 4, 2008, against San Francisco. Just as frustrating, the Lions made only 2 of 18 shots in the second half after leading 25-21 at halftime, and shot 26 percent for the game.

Jarred DuBois and LaRon Armstead each had 10 points to lead LMU.

The administration at Seattle put a significant amount of focus and energy into promoting the New Year’s night showcase on a silent day in the Seattle sports scene. The only question was would the product on the floor match.

With former Seattle stars Clint Richardson, Johnny and Eddie O’Brien and Carl Ervin looking on, the current Redhawks didn’t disappoint.

Trailing most of the first half, Seattle (8-5) finally made its surge midway through the second half. The Redhawks took their first lead since 8-6 when Leigh Swanson pump-faked, then hit a 17-footer with 12:10 left to take a 32-30 advantage. After a pair of free throws by DuBois pulled LMU even at 32-all, the Redhawks forced turnovers on five of the Lions’ next seven possessions and pushed ahead 38-34.

Speedy sophomore guard Drew Harris then scored on a tough left-handed runner in the lane with 1 second left on the shot clock to push the lead to 40-34 and a few minutes later, Mike Boxley’s 3-pointer with 4:00 left pushed the Redhawks’ advantage to 43-35. Gweth then hit consecutive baskets to increase the lead to 10 and put the game out of reach.

Austen Powers added nine points and 11 rebounds, and Gweth also grabbed eight boards for the Redhawks. Seattle now has wins over Division I schools Louisiana Tech, Cal Poly and UC Irvine. All of Seattle’s five losses have come against Division I competition – Portland State (twice), San Diego State, Fresno State and Oregon State.

Originally published: January 1st, 2009 08:51 PM (PST)