Hard Fought Victory Pushes 'Lopes to Four Straight

Tuesday, December 3

GCU Arena

7 p.m.

Grand Canyon

5-3

Vanguard

7-3

Vanguard

Grand Canyon

Demetrius Walker set career-highs with 26 points and 17 rebounds

Photo by: Darryl Webb

12/3/2013 9:23:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

Walker sets career-high in points, rebounds

The Grand Canyon University men's basketball team (5-3) used a strong second half to overcome a 10-point deficit and defeat visiting Vanguard University, 82-73, tonight in a hard fought contest at GCU Arena. The win is the fourth straight for the Antelopes, who overcame a number of strong pushes by the Lions throughout the game.

GCU was led by Demetrius Walker's career night, as he bested his career totals with 26 points and 17 rebounds. He had previously scored a career-best 21 points on Nov. 16 vs. Western New Mexico and doubled his high in rebounds (8) that he had set on Jan. 31, 2012 at Air Force with New Mexico.

Killian Larson added 13 points and 10 rebounds for his team-high sixth double-double of the season, while Justin Foreman chipped in 14 points and Jerome Garrison had 10.

For the game, the 'Lopes shot 46.2 percent from the field (24-for-52), the fourth time this season they have posted a field goal percentage of at least 45.0 percent. GCU also held the 44-38 advantage in rebounds and were efficient from the charity stripe, draining 30-of-38 attempts (78.9 percent).

The Lions scored four quick points to open the game and built an early 6-2 lead in the first four minutes before GCU rattled off the next five points to take their first lead, 7-6, at the 15 minute mark. Preston Wynne hit back-to-back three-pointers to put Vanguard back on top, 12-7, with under 13 minutes to play.

Despite losing Larson to two early fouls, GCU outscored the Lions 10-3 over the next four minutes to reclaim the 17-15 advantage with 9:09 remaining in the half. However, continuing the pattern of scoring runs, Vanguard responded with a 16-4 streak of their own after the score was knotted at 17 to make it 33-21 with just over three minutes on the clock.

GCU scored seven of the final 12 points of the half, but the Lions took the 38-28 lead into the locker room. Walker led the 'Lopes with nine points in the first 20 minutes as GCU shot 39.3 percent from the field (11-for-28). Vanguard posted a 41.7 percent mark from the floor (15-for-36) and were aided by five three pointers, four of which were made by Wynne.

The 'Lopes closed the gap to three points, 41-38, after outscoring the Lions 10-3 in the first three minutes of the second half, and following a three-point play by Garrison, tied the score at 41 with 16 and a half minutes to play. Walker drained a three-pointer on GCU's next possession to hand the 'Lopes the 44-41 lead, their first since the nine minute mark in the first half and one that they would not relinquish.

After finding themselves down by seven points (50-43) with 11:46 on the clock, Vanguard answered with an 8-2 run to pull within one point, 52-51, at the 10:12 mark. The Lions closed the gap to two points, 63-61, with 4:18 remaining, but would come no closer as GCU made 12-of-14 free throw attempts in the final three minutes of the game to secure the win.

The 'Lopes will now hit the road for a stretch of five games, beginning with a 3 p.m. contest at Northern Arizona University on Dec. 14. Fans can follow the action live by tuning in to KPXQ 1360 AM or at www.faithtalk1360.com.

GCU 82, VU 73

Click here for Michael Potter's postgame interview with head coach Dan Majerle
Click here for Michael Potter's postgame interview with Demetrius Walker