Wednesday, November 21, 2012 @ 8:56pm

Trent leads Seattle past Pacific Lutheran 58-49

Trent opened the game with a 3-pointer and the Redhawks (2-1) never trailed, closing the first half on a 10-3 run to lead 30-19.

Seattle built its biggest lead when Deshaun Sunderhaus hit a layup with 11:50 remaining to make it 43-28. The Lutes (0-3) got within five points when Daniel Landram hit a 3-pointer with 5:06 left. But baskets by Louis Green and Prince Obasi and a dunk by Trent extended the lead back to 11.

Pacific Lutheran, a Division III school, got 22 points from Andrew Earnest. Cameron Schilling added 15 points and eight rebounds.

Each team committed 22 turnovers and had its share of troubles at the free throw line _ Pacific Lutheran was 2 for 6, while Seattle made 9 of 17.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012 @ 10:12am

Seattle U vs PLU preview

By Gary Hill

Seattle U (1-1, 0-0 WAC) vs PLU Lutes (0-2, 0-0 NWC)

Key Arena (Seattle, WA)

Wednesday November 21, 2012 7:00 pm

RADIO: 770 KTTH

Series- PLU 30-24

Last Meeting- Non Exhibition - 2002-2003- SU 77-65

Scouting PLU:

The Lutes had served as an exhibition foe in each of the past three seasons, but the one tonight counts on the ledger. PLU is 0-2 coming in after dropping two games over the weekend at a tournament in Tacoma. PLU finished last season with a 12-13 overall record and 9-7 in the always competitive Northwest Conference. Steve Dickerson is in his 7th year leading PLU and he is assisted by Marc Callero who is the brother of former Seattle U coach Joe Callero. Seattle U defeated PLU 101-53 in exhibition action last year.

The Ones to Watch:

Cameron Schilling- 6'5 215 SR F- 12.5 ppg 4.5 rbds
The Decatur High School product is the second leading scorer for the Lutes early into their season. He is the leading returneing scorer at 13.3 points per game a year ago. He average nearly 7 rebounds a game and shot over 40% from three.

Drew Earnest- 6'1 165 SR G- 14 ppg 3.5 rbds
He is the leading scorer for PLU at the moment. He is deadly from downtown after knocking down 55 threes a year ago and hitting at a 41% clip. He is off to a hot start by going 8-16 from 3 so far this year.

Keys to the Game:

1- The Paint- The tallest player on the PLU frontline is 6'5. SU struggled on the boards against Virginia and they should dominate the glass in this matchup.

2- Drop the Hammer Early- Seattle U does not want to let PLU hang-around.

3- Build Momentum- The next two games for Seattle U are at Stanford on Nov.21st and then against a Boise State team on Dec. 2nd who nearly knocked off Michigan State last night.

We take the air at 6:45 on 770 KTTH. Follow me on twitter @garyhilljr

Saturday, November 17, 2012 @ 3:14pm

Mitchell leads Virginia past Seattle 83-43

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) - Akil Mitchell has a new ally in his search for steady confidence: leadership.

The junior forward had career highs with 14 points and 16 rebounds Saturday, leading Virginia to an 83-43 romp over Seattle.

"Because of my role as a leader this year, I have to be confident," Mitchell said. "In order for the team to be confident, I have to be confident and to lead them, I have to believe in myself first."

Mitchell is averaging 11 rebounds through four games.

"When he understands that he can be a difference-maker on the glass, that's huge," Cavaliers coach Tony Bennett said.

Freshman center Mike Tobey added 17 points and fellow freshmen Justin Anderson (11) and Evan Nolte (10) also scored in double figures. In all, the five freshmen in Bennett's rotation combined for 50 points, and Mitchell said that made the lopsided victory more worthwhile.

"It was absolutely necessary for Mike to get going. He's been struggling offensively, so for him to get going is huge and for the guys to understand that when we play our system right, this is what happens," Mitchell said.

The Cavaliers (2-2) led 44-13 at halftime and cruised, allowing Bennett to give plenty of playing time to his freshman.

That included point guard Teven Jones, who made his college debut and scored four points and had one assist in 25 minutes. Jones missed the first game while serving a suspension for a violation of team rules and missed the last two with something akin to a pinched nerve, Bennett said.

"The energy was a lot better because when we didn't have a point guard in there, the game was slowed down and it didn't look as organized," Jones said.

It helped that the game almost seemed more like a scrimmage long before halftime.

Seattle led 6-3, then it all went downhill as Virginia scored the next nine points. The rest of the half included runs of 11, 10 and nine points for the Cavaliers, who got scoring from eight players before intermission. Half of their 44 at the break came from freshman, led by Tobey with 10 and Nolte with eight.

The Redhawks (1-1), who won at John Paul Jones Arena two years ago, shot 20 percent in the first half (5 of 25) and only kept the game as close as it was because the Cavaliers had a tough time breaking their full-court press. Virginia had 19 turnovers, but Seattle turned them into just 10 points.

"From the beginning of the game, they played defense with a great amount of toughness, effort and energy," Redhawks coach Cameron Dollar said. "They didn't allow us to get into the paint and they contested shots. ... They just brought the fight to us and were tougher."

Deshaun Sunderhaus led the Redhawks with nine points and Sterling Carter and Chad Rasmussen each had eight.

Seattle, meantime, finished shooting 25.4 percent (15 of 59) and was outrebounded 41-29.

The game seemed likely to mark the return of point guard and captain Jontel Evans, who played three minutes in a loss to Delaware on Tuesday night, but Bennett said after the game that Evans experienced soreness in his surgically repaired right foot and doctors suggested slowing down his return.

The status of backup Malcolm Brogdon, who had surgery last March, remains unclear, Bennett said.

Thursday, November 15, 2012 @ 5:59pm

SU at Virginia Preview

By Gary Hill

Seattle U (1-0, 0-0 WAC) at Virginia Cavaliers (1-2, 0-0 ACC)

John Paul Jones Arena (Charlottesville, VA)

Saturday November 17, 2012 1:00 pm

RADIO: 770 KTTH

Series- 1-1

Last Meeting- December 21, 2011- Virginia 83-77

Scouting Virginia:

Virginia started fast a year ago (10-1) and rode the wave all the way to the NCAA Tournament. The Cavaliers were bounced in the first round by Florida 71-45. Virginia saw improvement for the third straight year under Tony Bennett finishing last season with a 22-10 record overall and 9-7 in ACC play. However, the Cavaliers are expected to take a step back as they try to replace one of the best players in school history. Mike Scott averaged 18 points and 8 rebounds a game last year and torched Seattle u at Key Arena for 33 and 14. He was runner-up ACC Player of the Year. Virginia's depth will be tested after a handful of transfers the last couple of seasons. They are also dealing with injuries at the point to start the year which has knocked out the top two on the depth chart. They are coming off a surprising loss to Delaware at home in the preseason NIT. The Blue Hens had not beaten Virginia since 1962.

The Ones to Watch:

Joe Harris- 6'6 211 JR G- 18 ppg 6 rbds 2 assts

The Chelan, WA product is the leading returning scorer for Virginia. He will be asked to shoulder the bulk of the scoring load this season and so far he has obliged. He is averaging 12 points a game more than 2nd most on the club. The sharp-shooter can score from anywhere on the floor and is hitting 43% of his threes so far this year.

Jontel Evans- 5'11 188 SR G- 0 ppg 1 rbds 0 assts

Evans has been slowed by injury this season and has only played three minutes. The starting point guard has played in 95 games at Virginia and started 70. His leadership has been sorely missed by the Cavaliers so far this season. He averaged 7 points and 4 assists a game last season, but his calling card is defense. He was placed on the 2012 ACC All-Defensive Team a year ago. His availability remains a question going into Saturday and could have a major impact on the outcome.

Keys to the Game:

1- The battle of wills- Slow vs Fast. Virginia averaged 49 field goal attempts a year ago which was 10th in the ACC. SU took 70 shots in their first game. Seattle U wants to win the pace battle.

2- Slow down Harris. He is a major scoring threat and will have the ball in his hands a great deal with Virginia short-handed at the point. The Cavaliers have struggled to score this season and slowing Harris down would put even more pressure on an unsure offense.

3- Points from the backcourt- Carter and Pickett combined for 10 points in game one of the season. The duo will need to be score the basketball for SU to upset Virginia again. Carter led SU to the win two years ago with 19 points including 4 threes.

By the Numbers:

- 62- The number of points Virginia scored on average last season.

- 54- The number of points Virginia allowed on average last season.

- 77- The most points in a game the Cavaliers allowed in a game last year and it was against SU. Maryland scored 72, Florida scored 71 and North Carolina posted 70 points.

- 18- The number of points Carter in averaging in 2 career games against Virginia

- 8- The number of threes Carter has hit versus the Cavs.

- 18- NCAA head coached who played in the NBA. Tony Bennett is one of them.

- 2- The number of freshman Virginia started in their last game.

- 1- NBA All-Stars the Virginia basketball program has produced- Ralph Sampson.

- 3- The number of former Virginia players who played in Seattle for the SuperSonics- Wally Walker, Olden Polynice and John Crotty.

- 3- Times Bennett has guided his teams to the NCAA Tournament in 6 games.

Seattle U will look to take down Virginia once again at 1:00pm on 770 KTTH. Follow me on twitter @garyhilljr

Sunday, November 11, 2012 @ 1:24pm

Seattle U vs Montana State Preview

By Gary Hill

Seattle U (0-0, 0-0 WAC) vs Montana State (0-0, 0-0 Big Sky)

Key Arena (Seattle, WA)

Sunday November 11, 2012 6:00 pm

RADIO: 770 KTTH

Series- Seattle U 28-9

Last Meeting- November 22, 2011- SU 85-73

Scouting Montana State:

Montana State finished with a 12-17 record overall and 7-9 in Big Sky play. The season ended for the Bobcats when Portland State pummeled them in the opening round of the Big Sky tournament by Portland State 75-53. The offseason was not kind to Montana State. They lost junior forward Tre Johnson after an arrest over the summer. Starting center Mohamed Fall also lost his last season of eligibility. The losses leave the front-line completely devastated. If their exhibition game is any indication the height of the Bobcats starting lineup with be 6'4, 5'9, 6'1, 6'4 and 6'4. They are picked to finish 7th and 8th in the Big Sky by the coached and media.

The Ones to Watch:

Xavier Blount- 6'4 205 SR G- 11.5 ppg 3.5 rbds 2 assts

The combo guard will be expected to carry a good deal of the scoring load for the Bobcats. He can shoot the 3 and will look to penetrate consistently. He is skilled at drawing fouls. He is the the leading returning scorer for Montana State and he touched-up Seattle U for 17 points last year when these teams met.

Antonio Biglow- 6'1 165 JR G- NA- RS Last Year

The guard faced-off against Prince Obasi in high school. He spent two years at San Antonio College. He is extremely athletic and very talented. He has a legitimate chance to take home Big Sky Newcomer of the Year award.

Keys to the Game:

1- Good Start- Seattle U was haunted by the buzzer beater that broke their hearts in game 1 of last season. Good Start to this game = Good Start to the season.

2- Dominate the paint. SU are bigger than they ever have been and they need to take advantage of it against the smaller Bobcats.

3- Test the Bobcats depth. They are short-handed and SU will push the pace to test them.

Seattle U looks to start the season on a great note, join us at 6:00 on 770 KTTH.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012 @ 4:45pm

Preview: Seattle U at UC Irvine

Seattle U (5-12) at UC Irvine (6-13, 3-4 Big West)
Where: Bren Events Center (Irvine, Calif.)
When: Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012 at 7 p.m.
Radio: 710 ESPN Seattle
Series: Seattle U leads 2-1
Last meeting: Irvine won 85-77 on 11/20/2010

Scouting UC Irvine

Head coach Russell Turner is in Year 2 of a major rebuild. The Anteaters are one of the youngest teams in the country with no seniors and seven freshmen. They start four juniors and one senior, but every single player coming off the bench is a freshman. They lost their first six games of the season, but built some momentum by winning three of their first four Big West games. They have since dropped three in a row. Irvine likes to push the pace. They will play small, often featuring a four-guard lineup and they will not hesitate to launch the three. This is game two of a five-game homestand as they look to build momentum when conference play resumes on Saturday.

The Ones to Watch

Michael Wilder: 6-2, 215 pounds, junior guard, 11.5 points per game, 5.5 rebounds, 2 assists

He is the leading returning scorer for the Anteaters, supplying 9.5 points per game a year ago. He is one of three starters shooting over 39 percent from 3. He is second in the Big West hitting over 2.5 threes a game. He is also one of four starters averaging over 2 assists per contest.

Daman Starring: 6-3, 190 pounds, junior guard, 12 points per game, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists

The leading scorer for Irvine is also deadly from downtown. He is casting in threes at a 43 percent clip. He is coming off a career-high 23 points in the Saturday loss to Fullerton. He was 6 of 9 from 3.

Keys to the Game

1. Pound them inside. SU has the size advantage up front with Broussard, Wallace, Trent and Diop and they have an opportunity to put together a big night on the glass.
2. Perimeter defense. A team that hits the three is always dangerous, no matter the record. They will often have four good three-point shooters on the floor at once and SU must be aware.
3. Good start. Seattle U has started fast the last two games and carried it all the way through. To illustrate the point, they're 5-2 when up at half and 0-10 when trailing at half.

Numbers to Know

17 -- The place for Aaron Broussard on the All-Time Seattle U scoring list with 1,278.
16 -- The man in front of him -- the great Carl Ervin -- 1,304 points between 1976-1980.
53 -- The percentage SU is shooting from 3 the last two games.
23 -- The number of points Broussard is averaging in his last eight games.
5 -- The number of assists Cervante Burrell is averaging in his last six games, along with 8.5 points.
3.8 -- The number of points per game for Sterling Carter in his first six games.
16 -- The points per game for Carter in his last four games.

Seattle U looks to continue the streak tonight. Tune in at 7 on 710 ESPN Seattle.

Friday, January 13, 2012 @ 10:58am

Seattle U vs Utah Valley

By Gary Hill

Seattle U (3-11) vs Utah Valley University (8-10, 0-0 Great West

Key Arena (Seattle, WA)

Friday January 13, 2012 7:10 pm

RADIO: 710 ESPN Seattle

Series- SU 3-2

Last Meeting- 1/7- Utah Valley 77-72

Scouting Utah Valley:

The defending Great West champions are set for one of their final tune-ups before conference play begins. The Wolverines will be playing Seattle U in back to back games having not been in action since the Saturday meeting. They have been tough at home- 7-2, but they have really struggled on the road- 0-8. This will be the third straight year these teams have met twice. The Wolverines provide a number of match-up problems for Seattle U. In the last two years each one of their starters have given Seattle U trouble at some point. The Wolverines are tough are well organized under 10th year Head Coach Dick Hunsaker. Hunsaker has skillfully guided Utah Valley from a junior college to full Division I program. He has seen time as the head coach at Utah and made a Cinderella run in the NCAA tournament at Ball State including a win over Gary Payton and the Oregon State Beavers. The Great West Conference has been whittled down to 6 teams now, but it spans the country in men's hoops- Utah Valley, Chicago State, Houston Baptist, North Dakota, New Jersey Institute of Technology and Texas-Pan American. Utah Valley is again the favorite to take the conference title.

The Ones to Watch:

Isiah Williams- 6'1 SR G- 15 ppg 2 rbds 2.3 assts

The SR guard is an explosive scorer. He is deadly from long-range and he can penetrate. He is not bashful about letting the jumpers fly and he will look to shoot every time he touches the ball if he is feeling it. The talented SR was an AP Honorable Mention All-American last season. His scoring average is down a couple of points from last year, but his offensive impact is still enormous. He was a huge key for the Wolverines win over SU on Saturday hitting 5-11 from downtown 38 minutes of action.

Ben Aird- 6'9 SO C- 9 ppg 6.5 rbds

When you watch him warm up you will not be blown away. He may strike you as a football lineman attempting to play basketball. Don't be fooled. He has destroyed Seattle U on the interior the last couple of years on both ends of the floor. He went for 8 points 12 rebounds and 4 blocks in the win on Saturday. He also kept several balls alive on the offensive glass for his teammates. He is always around the basket and is tough on the glass. Seattle U needs to make sure they keep a body on him.

Keys to the Game:

1- Control Williams- He can light it up and was a huge factor from 3 in the first meeting.

2- Box Out- Seattle U needs to shut down second chance opportunities and must keep Aird, Keith Thompson and Geddes Robinson off the glass.

3- Feed Broussard- He is on a roll offensively and SU needs to keep getting him the ball.

Keys to the Game:

0 - The number of road wins for Utah Valley this year

3 - The number of games SU has lost in a row, and the number in a row they will be playing at home starting tonight

22.8 - The points per game for Aaron Broussard in the last 5 games

9.6 - The number of rebounds for Aaron Broussard in the last 5 games

17 - The number of points for Jarell Flora in the last two games after scoring 12 in the first 12 games of the year

5.5- The average number of assists for Cervante Burrell in the last two games

Revenge starts at 7:00 on 710 ESPN Seattle.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012 @ 2:36pm

Seattle U vs UW

By Gary Hill

Seattle U (3-10) @ Washington Huskies (9-6, 3-1 Pac-12

Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion (Seattle, WA)

Tuesday January 10, 2012 7:00 pm

RADIO: 710 ESPN Seattle

Series- UW 22-4

Last Meeting- Last Year- UW 95-74

Scouting UW:

The youthful Washington Huskies have ridden a wave of inconsistency throught the season. The ups and downs probably should not come as too much of a surprise considering there is only one senior in the rotation and the player who dominates the ball is a freshman. UW struggled to get a split on the road this weekend after getting buzz-sawed by Colorado and winning a close contest to the short-handed Utes. UW is good at home, as always- 8-1 and that happens to be where the game is played tonight. Washington is perfect against SU in the reemergence of Division I basketball across town and the last game at Hec Ed was an ugly affair.

The Ones to Watch:

Tony Wroten- 6'5 205 FR G- 16.5 ppg 4.5 rbds 3 assts

The freshman sensation is second in the Pac-12 in scoring and the 3rd leading scorer for all freshmen in the nation. He is lightening fast and difficult to guard one on one. He loves to get to the rim, thus his 50% shooting. He has not found the touch from range- 23% from 3 and he struggles from the line- 51%. He is third on the team in rebounds and second in assists and 3rd in the Pac-12 in steals.

Terrance Ross- 6'6 195 SO G- 14 ppg 6 rbds 2 assts

When one visits nbadraft.net, one will find Ross projected to go 15th in the 2012 NBA draft to the Phoenix Suns. The talented guard is third on the team in scoring. He can knock down shots and can hit them off the dribble. His wingspan makes him tough on defense and his size can cause serious matchup problems. He could be more aggressive getting to the rim.

Keys to the Game:

1- Good Start- Can't emphasize this one enough. They must start well to stay in the game,

2- Control Tempo- They have played at their pace against the best teams they have played this year- Virginia, Harvard… The question is- What pace do they want to play against UW?

3- The 3- Seattle U has struggled all year from 3, but if they are going to pull the upset they must hit them tonight.

The Battle For Seattle start at 7:00 on 710 ESPN Seattle.