As the Seattle University Redhawks gear up for their next NIT challenge, head coach Chris Victor is keeping his focus sharp and his worries light. Fresh off a victory against St.
Thomas, Victor’s squad is set to face top-seeded Auburn. But rather than dwelling on the looming quarterfinals, Victor is more concerned with logistics, quipping, "Really, I'm just worried how we're going to get out there."
The Redhawks (21-13) are preparing to take on an Auburn team that stands at 18-16, albeit without one of its key starters. Forward KeShawn Murphy, who was averaging 10.7 points and leading the team with 6.8 rebounds, has opted out of the tournament. This absence might just tilt the scales a bit in Seattle’s favor.
Auburn showed resilience in their tournament opener, overcoming a six-point halftime deficit to defeat South Alabama 78-67. Kevin Overton and Keyshawn Hall were pivotal, each dropping 21 points. Overton, in particular, found his groove in the second half, nailing 7 of 8 from beyond the arc after a cold start.
"The shots were falling in the second half," Overton reflected. "In the first half I was trying to find that rhythm. When you make those simple ones, the other ones become easier."
Hall continues to be the Tigers' offensive engine, averaging 19.9 points per game, with Tahaad Pettiford contributing 15.4 points and leading the team with 3.6 assists.
On the Redhawks' side, their recent 67-52 triumph over St. Thomas saw Brayden Maldonado shine with 15 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Maldonado leads Seattle with 14.4 points per game, while Will Heimbrodt adds 12.3 points and a team-high 5.3 rebounds.
"We've shown that we can beat some really good teams," Heimbrodt noted, highlighting victories over ACC’s Stanford and Big Ten’s Washington. "They're a great team, but I think we can hang in there with anyone."
The task won't be easy. Auburn boasts an impressive streak, having won 65 consecutive nonconference games at home since the 2016-17 season. Yet, Seattle's defense is no slouch, ranking 23rd nationally by allowing fewer than 67 points per game.
Auburn coach Steven Pearl acknowledged the challenge ahead: "One of the better defensive teams we'll have gone against all year. Incredibly active, they really fly around and make what you do really difficult."
With both teams bringing their unique strengths to the court, this matchup promises to be a compelling clash of styles and strategies.