Lopes host Fort Lewis in GCU Classic opener

Two things are for sure: Grand Canyon knows it can win now, and the Antelopes know their next test will be another challenge.

Coming off a four-point win over Cal State Los Angeles, the Antelopes (1-2) host Fort Lewis (2-1) at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the GCU Thanksgiving Classic in Antelope Gym. It marks the second straight formidable home test for Grand Canyon.

"They look tough to me," GCU coach Dan Nichols said. "It's gonna be a real challenge. They're real disciplined and well-coached."

Wednesday night's game kicks off a five-game, three-date Classic sandwiched around the Thanksgiving holiday. Grand Canyon will host Academy of Art University 7:30 p.m. Friday and Cal State Dominguez Hills 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Fort Lewis will play Dominguez Hills 5:30 p.m. Friday and Academy of Art 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

All Antelopes games can be seen on B2 Networks Internet TV. Visit http://www.b2livetv.com/partner_members.asp?id=78 to sign up for broadcast privileges.

Fort Lewis has not played a home game yet this year, having started the season on the road at the three-day Disney Classic in Anaheim.

Fort Lewis center Kirk Archibeque is averaging 20 points and just under 10 boards per game. He's been to the free throw line 41 times already this year. In other words, he commands a lot of attention.

"They've got a load in the middle," Nichols said of Archibeque. "We're gonna have to combat that."

GCU center Engen Nurumbi, who has NCAA Division I experience, is where it all starts. Nurumbi (pictured) is averaging 17.3 points, seven rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game.

GCU is coming off its best defensive effort of the year. That's something the new coaching staff has preached since the preseason.

"I'm trying to play to the players' strengths, and I'm trying to give them the best chance to win," Nichols said. "We're just going to try to keep getting better and stay committed to the defensive end. We'll make enough buckets to win games. We're always gonna make the money on defense. Sometimes you can't control the ball going in the basket, but you can control your effort on the defensive end."

Fort Lewis is averaging averaging 74 points per game in its first three games. Grand Canyon has allowed its first three opponents to score an average of 79 points.

"We're just gonna have to play with a level of intensity that we did last game," Nichols said.

Wednesday's Thanksgiving Classic opener is a welcome opportunity for GCU, according to the new coach.

"I think it's good timing," Nichols said. "We're just trying to get cleaned up for league play. I think it'll benefit you in the long run."

LOPES NOTES

Grand Canyon University Athletics

Related News

Related Videos