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# John Christofilis, Seniors Step Up in Redhawks 71-59 Win Over Pilots
- URL: https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/john-christofilis-seattle-redhawks-seniors-step-up-win-portland-pilots/
- Published: 2026-02-22T07:20:08.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-08T05:53:44.000Z
- Author: Hayden Wysup
- Tags: Analysis, Game Day, Redhawks, Chris Victor, John Christofilis, Will Heimbrodt, Jojo Murphy, Brayden Maldonado, Maleek Arington

SEATTLE, Wash. - With Seattle U celebrating senior night at the Connolly Center, all three seniors that dressed were in the starting lineup together for the first time this season, and all made a significant impact in the Redhawks 71-59 win over the Portland Pilots on Saturday night. 

Prior to his senior season, John Christofilis started 50 games over his sophomore and junior seasons with the Redhawks. This year, however, his minutes and opportunities have all been reduced in a bench role. However, the savvy guard has not hung his head, instead fitting into whatever role Chris Victor needed from him and on Saturday, he made the most of his chance in a return to the lineup with Brayden Maldonado still out due to injury.

Leading the charge offensively, Christofilis finished with 14 points and four three pointers made. In a sluggish first half from both sides, he made sure Seattle made the most of its strong efforts defensively. A swarming Redhawk defense forced 14 first half Pilots turnovers and went into the break up 29-20 as a result. 

The Redhawks struggled to get quality looks down low, often dancing around the permitter and forcing shots as the shot clock winded down. But Christofilis nailed multiple three point looks early and helped keep a Redhawk offense afloat that suffered multiple scoring droughts.

While the Pilots only finished the first half with four made field goals in the first half, the Redhawks aggressive defense did allow the Pilots 13 looks at the free throw line, which kept the score within single digits at the half.

In the second half, Seattle’s offense found its rhythm late and looked more like it did Wednesday against Saint Mary’s, pushing the advantage to as many as 18 points. They successfully penetrated into the paint as drivers, which opened up the whole offense. Will Heimbrodt finished the game with only one field goal, but got to the free throw line 12 times and created plenty of looks for his teammates as a facilitator. Senior Maleek Arington brought his intensity on defense as always and distributed the ball well, finishing with a game-high six assists. 

With Maldonado still out, Jojo Murphy stepped up again, playing 38 minutes and coming alive in the second half as well. Murphy, another Redhawk being honored on senior night, finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, turning in a fine all-around effort. Nine of his 11 points came in the second half, and the senior brought a different level of effort with multiple hustles plays. 

The victory on Saturday night marks their first without Maldonado and improves their record at home to 13-4\. Seattle will close out their first season in the WCC with two road games against Pepperdine and LMU, aiming to stay hot rolling into the conference tournament.