SEATTLE (Interstat) — In a game defined by runs and answered by counter-runs, the Seattle Redhawks used a decisive late push to fend off a persistent UTEP Miners squad 75-68 in a non-conference men’s basketball game Sunday at a sparsely attended Key Arena.

The contest, played before 1,253 spectators, saw Seattle improve to 7-2 while UTEP fell to 3-5. The Redhawks, favored by 10 points, saw that margin tested throughout a second half that featured seven ties and 10 lead changes before they finally created separation in the final three minutes.

The most critical sequence unfolded with the game knotted at 68 and just over three minutes remaining. After a UTEP turnover, Seattle’s Brayden Maldonado, who erupted for a game-high 28 points, drove the lane for a difficult floating jumper to put the Redhawks ahead for good. On the ensuing UTEP possession, the Miners’ Elijah Jones missed a three-pointer that would have retaken the lead. Maldonado secured the defensive rebound, was fouled, and calmly sank both free throws to extend the lead to four.

UTEP, which had battled back from a six-point halftime deficit, never scored again. Seattle closed the game on a 7-0 run, with Maldonado accounting for five of those points, to seal the victory. The Miners missed their final four field goal attempts and committed two turnovers in the closing stretch.

Maldonado’s performance was a career-high offensive outburst, surpassing his previous season best. The 6-foot guard from Anchorage, Alaska, shot 9 of 17 from the field, including 4 of 9 from three-point range, and was a perfect 6 of 6 from the free throw line, with all six makes coming in the second half. His scoring provided the consistent offensive engine for a Seattle team that struggled at times with ball security, committing 12 turnovers.

UTEP was led by the formidable frontcourt duo of Jamal West and Elijah Jones. West, a 6-foot-6 forward from Baltimore, finished with 21 points and a game-high nine rebounds, showcasing his activity around the rim. Jones, a 6-foot-8 forward from Pleasantville, New Jersey, added 18 points, often stretching the floor and hitting key shots to keep the Miners within striking distance.

The game’s statistical profile highlighted Seattle’s efficiency advantage. Despite attempting six fewer shots than UTEP, the Redhawks made three more three-pointers and eight more free throws. Seattle finished 10 of 23 from beyond the arc compared to UTEP’s 5 of 19, a 15-point disparity from long distance. At the foul line, Seattle was 17 of 24 while UTEP was 9 of 13.

Seattle also posted a superior offensive rating of 114.7 points per 100 possessions, capitalizing on their 65 trips down the floor. UTEP’s offensive rating was 99.7 on 68 possessions. The Redhawks complemented their efficient shooting with a slight edge in hustle stats, recording nine steals and five blocks to UTEP’s seven and three, respectively.

The first half set the tone for a back-and-forth affair. UTEP started quickly, building an early 10-2 lead behind West and Jones. Seattle responded with a 13-2 run, fueled by Maldonado’s shooting, to take its first lead. The Redhawks would eventually carry a 37-31 advantage into halftime.

The second half saw UTEP methodically chip away, finally drawing even at multiple junctures. The Miners’ defense forced 13 Seattle turnovers, but they could not capitalize enough on the offensive end, particularly from the perimeter, to ever establish a sustained lead after the game’s opening minutes.

For Seattle, Will Heimbrodt provided crucial secondary support with 13 points, four assists and two blocks. Austin Maurer, the 7-foot center from Medford, Oregon, anchored the paint with 11 points, five rebounds and two blocks in just 18 minutes.

UTEP’s KJ Thomas managed five points and three assists, but the backcourt struggled overall against Seattle’s pressure, combining for more turnovers than assists.

The victory keeps Seattle unbeaten at home this season and provides momentum heading into a week off before hosting Warner Pacific on Dec. 13. UTEP continues a challenging road stretch, next traveling to face Hawaii on the same date.