Coach Bowman previews Seattle University matchup

Fresh off an emotional 70-68 win against the Virginia Military Institute, UTSA men’s basketball will now turn its attention towards Seattle University for a road matchup on Wednesday at the Redhawk Center. Ranked as one of the country’s top defenses, the Roadrunners will face yet another test in their second road game of the season. 

“This week, we have two really high-quality opponents,” coach Nick Bowman said. “Right now we just want to go to Seattle and give ourselves a chance to win on the road against a good team.”

The Roadrunners are heading into the matchup with a small amount of momentum. Despite inefficient shooting, UTSA shone brightly down the stretch in its previous contest, scoring in the clutch and hunkering down for much-needed defensive stops. Junior guards Josiah LeGree and KJ Tenner led the team in scoring, something the duo will need to replicate if they are to leave Seattle with a win. 

“For us to shoot as poorly as we did and still only give up a .98 against a good offensive team, that lets me know that these guys are connected in the way they need to be,” Bowman said. “That’s what we’re going to be looking for Wednesday night. We know that they’re going to be really physical.”

Physical is exactly what the Redhawks hang their hat on. Led by coach Chris Victor, Seattle prides itself on its ability to shut down opponents. The team is currently averaging eight steals per game and three blocks. Their guards are scrappy, continuously pestering opposing guards and looking for steal opportunities. Redhawk forward Will Heimbrodt anchors the paint, protecting the rim and contesting shot attempts. Though it’s early in the season, Seattle will be one of the best defenses UTSA faces all year. 

“For them, it starts on the defensive end,” Bowman said. “They’re a top-50 defense. Led by Will Heimbrodt, we expect him to want to block shots and try to create steals. I expect that gym to have a lot of emotion in it.”

Offensively, UTSA will likely rely on its guards. LeGree proved to be a spark off the bench, and Tenner provided a reliable source of consistent offense. Graduate guard Demari Williams will also look to carry some of the scoring load, slashing to the basket and knocking down perimeter threes. Possessing one of the deepest teams in the conference, the Roadrunners will have a plethora of opportunities for players to step up and contribute on the offensive end. Playing roughly eight guards throughout games, Bowman will have no issues finding offensive output. 

“We have a lot of guards that we trust, so you feel safe in game situations,” Bowman said. “I think this team has a chance to take this program in a direction that we’ve all wanted to go.” 

The Roadrunners will face Seattle University on Wednesday at 9 p.m. at the Redhawk Center.

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