Despite another close defeat and falling to 0-2 on the season, Seattle University forward Aaron Broussard said the revamped Redhawks made progress during a 69-63 defeat to San Francisco.

Saturday's setback in front of 4,140 at KeyArena followed a heartbreaking 66-65 loss in the season opener.

Still, Broussard believes SU is nearing a breakthrough.

"It's going to take one win," said the senior co-captain, the Redhawks' only returning starter. "Once you see what it takes, you just repeat that. Right now we're still trying to find ourselves and find our identity."

Seattle U is bigger, more athletic and versatile under third-year coach Cameron Dollar. The Redhawks are also learning how to play with each other and lacking experience in close late-game situations.

"That's a part of us being green," Dollar said. "We looked like that was the first time we ever did that situation and obviously it isn't."

Against San Francisco (4-1) the Redhawks used a pressure defense to force turnovers and cut an eight-point deficit (58-50) with 3:59 left to one (62-61) in the final 37 seconds.

However, the Dons converted 4 of 5 free throws the rest of the way. Redhawks guard Sterling Carter hurried a missed layup, guard Prince Obasi missed an open three-pointer and Carter misfired on a three-point shot down the stretch.

Last year SU lost by 21 points at San Francisco.

Saturday's defeat was much closer in ways beyond the scoreboard, Dollar said.

"We're nowhere near to playing as good as basketball as we can play," he said. "Just got to get back to work. Got to keep getting better."

Broussard scored a game-high 19 points, while sophomore forward Clarence Trent, the former Washington Husky, added 12 points, six rebounds and four blocks in his first game in Seattle since transferring two years ago.

"It was going through my mind a little bit," he said. "I was pretty much fatigue not being in a real game. I was trying to just play my game."

USF took control late in the game behind guard Michael Williams, who scored a team-high 15 points. Perris Blackwell and Angelo Caloiaro each scored 12.

"We got life a little too late," Broussard said. "If we could have started a minute or so quicker, then we don't have to foul as quick and we don't get into the free-throw game."

Starting guards Allen Tate and Obasi combined for 2-for-14 shooting and were 0 for 9 on three-pointers.

Dollar is being patient in hopes of better days and results.

"We'll be way better late December, January and February," he said. "We're going to be really good, but it's going to take time."

SU women fall

The Seattle University women lost 82-65 to San Diego on Saturday afternoon at KeyArena.

Kacie Sowell scored in double figures for the fourth consecutive game, with 12 points, for Seattle U (1-3). Daidra Brown scored 17 to lead the Redhawks. Talisa Rhea had 10 points and four assists.

Morgan Woodrow scored 24 points for San Diego (2-1).

"We need to play with more consistency and it starts with the defense," said SU coach Joan Bonvicini. "We then need to be a little bit smarter on offense."