Lopes defeat Adams State, 88-83

Thursday, November 3

Phoenix, Ariz.

7:00 P.M.

Grand Canyon

0-0

Adams State (EXH.)

0-0

Adams State

Grand Canyon

11/3/2016 9:36:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score Photo Gallery

By: Jake Hernandez

PHOENIX – The Grand Canyon men's basketball team defeated Adams State 88-85 in an exhibition game on Thursday night. DeWayne Russell led the Lopes with a double-double on 17 points (6-of-12) and 11 assists.

The Lopes got off to a slow start, committing 12 fouls and turning the ball over 13 times in the first half. However, the offense had no trouble firing on all cylinders, hitting 16-of-31 (.516) from the field. Tied 19-19 with only 7:30 to go in the first half, Russell took control, scoring eight points in the last 7:30 of the half.

"This was just a bad performance," head coach Dan Majerle commented. "It is a wake up call for our guys. We came out flat. I thought we would come out with energy, especially with our amazing crowd and amazing student section. I cannot thank them enough for showing up and being a part of this. I told my guys they should be very thankful, and they are very thankful, but I don't know if our guys just took Adams State too lightly."

Led by Russell with 12 points (5-of-10), the Lopes found themselves with a 39-28 lead going into the locker room at the half. Supporting Russell, teammate Kerwin Smith followed with nine points in the first half off 4-of-5 shooting. Joshua Braun totaled seven points (3-of-4), including a 3-pointer before the break.

"The game didn't go the way we planned," Russell commented. "We just have to look at ourselves in the mirrors as players and just comeback stronger."

Coming out hot in the second half, the Lopes were 7-of-12, including a 3-pointer from Gerard Martin to go up 56-44. Transfer Shaq Carr picked up play, scoring 11 points of his 13 points in the second half off 7-of-8 shooting from the free throw line, adding 2-of-2 shooting in the field. Gerard Martin finished the game hitting 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, scoring all nine points in the second half.

Braun ended with 14 points (5-of-8), including two 3-pointers. Smith continued his hot streak, ending the game with 13 points (5-of-6). Transfer Darion Clark finished his night leading the Lopes with eight rebounds, adding 10 points off 4-of-6 shooting.

"We have a lot of work to do," Braun said. "Coach (Majerle) draws things up and pushes us. He has a game plan and it is up to us as players to execute, play well and get fired up for games like this in front of the home crowd. We have to do a better job at bringing the energy and better focus. We need to play sharper and little bit better."

Fouls continued for the Lopes as GCU ended the night with 31, resulting in 46 free throw attempts for the Grizzlies. Adams State ended the night 35-of-46 from the line. On the other end, Grand Canyon's defense contained Adams State's offense to only 22-of-60 (.235) shooting on the night.

The Lopes will travel to Durham, N.C. for the first game of the season against Pre-Poll Top-Ranked Duke on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 3:30 p.m. Arizona Time. The game will be televised on ESPN3.