LAS VEGAS (Interstat) — In a contest defined by a decisive second-half performance, the Seattle Redhawks pulled away from the Texas State Bobcats for a 66-52 victory in a non-conference men’s basketball game Friday at Orleans Arena.

The game was a tale of two halves, with both teams locked in a 33-33 stalemate at the break. However, Seattle maintained its offensive output after halftime, scoring another 33 points, while the Texas State attack faltered dramatically, managing only 19 points in the second period.

The difference was starkly evident in the teams’ offensive efficiency. Seattle scored its 66 points on 61 possessions, translating to an offensive rating of 108.1. Texas State, by contrast, managed just 52 points from 64 possessions, an offensive rating of 81.5 that underscored their scoring struggles.

Seattle’s victory was fueled by a balanced and efficient offensive attack and a disruptive defense. The Redhawks shot 51 percent from the floor, connecting on 25 of 49 field goal attempts. They also hit six three-pointers and capitalized on their opportunities at the free-throw line, making 10 of 17 attempts.

Texas State struggled to find any consistent rhythm, shooting 39 percent on 22-of-56 shooting. Their woes were particularly pronounced from beyond the arc, where they made only 2 of 11 attempts. The Bobcats also committed 14 turnovers, which Seattle converted into key scoring opportunities.

Will Heimbrodt led all scorers and was the engine for the Redhawks, finishing with 17 points. The 6-foot-7 forward from San Anselmo, California, also contributed four assists, three rebounds and a block in 33 minutes of action, orchestrating the offense and creating his own shots at crucial moments.

He was ably supported by Jun Seok Yeo, who added 16 points, three rebounds and three assists. The 6-foot-8 native of Seoul, South Korea, was efficient from deep, hitting multiple three-pointers to stretch the Texas State defense.

The backcourt duo of Brayden Maldonado and Miles Amos provided Seattle with significant energy and defensive intensity. Maldonado, a 6-foot guard from Anchorage, Alaska, stuffed the stat sheet with eight points, five rebounds, four assists and a game-high three steals. Amos, from South San Francisco, California, chipped in six points, four rebounds and two steals, often serving as a catalyst for Seattle’s defensive stands.

For Texas State, no player reached double figures in scoring until the final minutes. Mark Drone, a 6-foot guard from Jackson, Mississippi, led the Bobcats with 10 points and three assists. DJ Hall, a 6-foot-7 forward from Plano, Texas, was active on the glass, pulling down six rebounds to go with seven points, three assists, a steal and a block.

The game began at a frantic pace, with both teams trading baskets. Seattle’s Yeo opened the scoring with a three-pointer, and the teams remained tightly contested throughout the first half. Texas State managed to keep pace despite early turnovers, with Franck Emmou and Makai Willis providing early offense. The half featured seven ties and neither team led by more than five points, culminating in the 33-33 deadlock.

The second half, however, belonged entirely to Seattle. The Redhawks immediately imposed their will, opening the period with a 7-0 run to establish a lead they would never relinquish. Texas State’s offense went cold, plagued by missed shots, turnovers and an inability to solve Seattle’s defensive adjustments. The Bobcats went scoreless for stretches as Seattle methodically built its lead.

A key sequence midway through the half saw Seattle extend its advantage to double digits. A steal by Maldonado led to a transition opportunity, and Heimbrodt finished a layup while being fouled, completing the three-point play to energize the Redhawks and push their lead to 13 points. Texas State could not mount a response, as every mini-run was answered by a Seattle basket, often from Yeo or Heimbrodt.

Seattle’s ball movement and defensive pressure were the ultimate difference-makers. The Redhawks dished out eight assists compared to just four for Texas State and recorded eight steals, consistently disrupting the Bobcats’ offensive sets.

With the win, Seattle improved its season record to 5-1. The Redhawks are scheduled to face Lehigh on Saturday, also in Las Vegas, as part of a multi-team event.

Texas State saw its record fall to 6-3 with the loss, snapping a five-game winning streak that included victories over Arkansas-Little Rock and Abilene Christian. The Bobcats will look to rebound when they travel to face Rice on Wednesday.