The Bulldogs overcame sloppy first half play that included 11 turnovers to still lead at the halfway mark 34-27, the final points coming on a buzzer beating three by Seay off an O’Neil assist. The Seattle University zone caused the young Bulldogs problems as they never found a rhythm and could not pass from the high post effectively. Seay and freshman Paul George, who finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds, combined for 18 points in the first half. The first half also saw Coach Steve Cleveland play every player on his available roster.
The second half proved much better as the Dogs shot a blistering 59% from the field and shared the ball much better against the Redhawk zone defense, led by O’Neil who finished with a career-high nine assists. The Bulldogs also ratcheted up the defensive pressure and forced tough shots from Seattle, holding them to 36% shooting in the half.
As a team, the Bulldogs shot 52% for the game from the field, 45% from three on 9-of-20 shooting, and 16-of-20 from the foul line. They were able to out-rebound Seattle 37 to 25. They finished with 17 turnovers to their 18 assists; turnover issues have plagued the young Bulldogs. It will continue to be an emphasis for Cleveland and his staff.
Also of note individually was O’Neil’s 12 points to go along with his career assist mark, Mychal Ladd’s career high 15 to go with his 6 rebounds, Ned Golubovic’s 7 points and 4 rebounds, and Brandon Sperling’s 6 points in 11 minutes of action.
The Bulldogs return to action Sunday afternoon as they host the Oregon State Beavers at the Save Mart Center at 2 p.m.
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