The Grand Canyon men's basketball team (5-5) travels to Albuquerque, N.M. to face New Mexico (8-3) in The Pit tonight at 7 p.m. The Antelopes have lost two straight, despite leading in the second half by 11 over Northern Arizona and nine at Tulsa. Daniel Alexander, a transfer from Texas A&M, has made an impact in his first two games with GCU, scoring 14 and 15 points, respectively.
TV: ROOT Sports (Channel 683 on DirectTV for those who have the additional sports package; check listings for other television providers).
Radio: KKNT 960 AM or www.960thepatriot.com.
Announcers:
Michael Potter (PxP) and
Dan Nichols (Analyst)
Live Stats: www.GCULopes.com.
GAME NOTES
VS. NEW MEXICO: GCU is 0-2 versus the Lobos, with the last meeting coming on Jan. 4, 1983, a 76-51 loss in Albuquerque.
LAST TIME OUT: The Antelopes dropped yet another close game, this time falling 66-65 at Tulsa. Demetrius Walker led all scorers with 20 points, while Killian Larson continued his trend of double-doubles with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Daniel Alexander, in just his second game back, scored a career-best 15 points. The 'Lopes drained a season-high-tying 10 three-pointers.
TEACHING THEM WELL : Dan Majerle's NBA career was known for his three-point shooting abilities. The 'Lopes have made a season-high 10 three-pointers on two occasions this year. GCU had three double-digit efforts in 2012-13, two in 2011-12, two in 2010-11, and five in 2009-10. Of those 14 double-digit games, the 10-for-15 (.667) made against Tulsa on Wednesday night is the highest shooting percentage.
BIG WINS, CLOSE CALLS : GCU is averaging a 19.8 scoring margin in their five wins, including wins of 50 points over WNMU and 30 points over SDC. In five losses, the 'Lopes have only been outscored by an average of 8.4 points, including three games decided by three points or less.
ALEXANDER'S IMPACT: Daniel Alexander made his GCU debut on Dec. 14 at NAU and drained a team single-game high four three-pointers. Against Tulsa, he scored a career-best 15 points on 6-for-8 shooting. In his two games, Alexander has made 11-of-18 shots (.611), including 7-for-12 from behind the arc (.583). Additionally, he has grabbed 13 rebounds in the two contests for a 6.5 rebound per game average.
More Notes...