Grand Canyon loses thriller in overtime

Thursday, December 28

Phoenix, Ariz.

Grand Canyon

CSU Dominguez Hills

12/28/2006 10:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Greene Shines in Debut

By: Cory Hitchcock

Phoenix, AZ—Grand Canyon (4-4) could not hang on as they lost in overtime to Cal State Dominguez Hills, 70-69, this evening in the Antelope Gymnasium. The 'Lopes committed 21 turnovers and were out-rebounded 38-33 by the Toros. Devon Greene (Phoenix, AZ/Fordham University) led all scorers with 26 points while shooting 64 percent from the field (9-14) and 50 percent (3-6) from beyond the arc in his debut as a 'Lope.

After the first ten minutes of play and both teams trading baskets, the score was tied 10-10. The 'Lopes closed out the half on a 26-17 run and went into the locker room up 39-30.

In the second half the Toros put on the defensive pressure forcing the 'Lopes to commit 14 turnovers and only allowed the 'Lopes to take 14 shots but Grand Canyon held onto the lead for most of the half. With 2:43 left to play, Gabe Bernard went to the line and hit a pair of free throws giving the Toros their second lead of the night 63-62. Jason Stromvall (Puyallup, WA/Tacoma CC) was fouled with 2:41 left to play and only converted on one of the two free throws tying the game 63-63 and forcing overtime.

The Toros opened the overtime period scoring five consecutive points, but Greene responded with a three-pointer to close the gap to 68-66 with 2:01 remaining. Richard Davis (Glendale, AZ/ Glendale CC) hit a three-pointer with 20 seconds left to put Grand Canyon ahead 69-68. Ten seconds later Mike Steed responded with a jumper from the free throw line to give the Toros the lead 70-69. The 'Lopes ran a play after a timeout, but the three-pointer from the top of the arc came up short giving Grand Canyon their second straight loss.

Davis was the only other 'Lope to reach double figures scoring 12 points. Bryan Lee (Antioch, CA/Deer Valley HS) collected 7 rebounds and 6 blocks while Ladi Makinde (Phoenix, AZ/Scottsdale CC) had a game-high 9 assists.

The Toros were led by Shamont Brown with 17 points and Carlos Rivers with 13.

The 'Lopes are back in action Wednesday, January 3, when they travel to Honolulu, Hawaii to open Pac West play against Hawaii Pacific. Tip is scheduled for 7:00 PM.