Poor Shooting Hampers 'Lopes in Loss to Middle Tennessee State

Monday, December 30

Chattanooga, TN

2:30 p.m.

Grand Canyon

5-8

Middle Tennessee

9-5

Middle Tennessee

Grand Canyon

Killian Larson recorded his 10th double-double of the season

Poor Shooting Hampers 'Lopes in Loss to Middle Tennessee State

12/30/2013 4:37:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

Open WAC play on Thursday versus Texas-Pan American

Hampered by their lowest field goal percentage of the season, the Grand Canyon University men's basketball team (5-8) dropped a 79-56 contest to Middle Tennessee State (9-5) today in the consolation game of the 24^th Annual Dr. Pepper Classic at The McKenzie Arena on the campus of Tennessee-Chattanooga. The loss was the fifth straight for the Antelopes who concluded the non-conference portion of their schedule.

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

GCU shot just 31.0 percent from the field (13-for-42), while the Blue Raiders went 31-for-64 (48.4 percent). The 13 field goals made also marked a season-low for the 'Lopes. MT was also able to take advantage of 13 GCU turnovers, scoring 24 points off of those opportunities.

The 'Lopes were led by Killian Larson's 10^th double-double of the season as he led all scorers with 22 points and pulled down 14 rebounds. Jerome Garrison added 14 points, while Jake Zuilhof collected seven boards.

Following the championship game, Larson was named to the All-Tournament Team after averaging 22 points and 13.5 rebounds in two games.

The Blue Raiders opened an early 9-0 lead in the game's first three minutes as their defense allowed just one GCU shot attempt during that time. MT would make it 12-0 over the next minute before Garrison made one of two free throws attempts to put the 'Lopes on the board.

After GCU pulled within nine points, 15-6, at the 15:06 mark of the first half, MT steadily rebuilt their lead to 42-20 with two minutes on the clock, aided by a 21-8 run that began with 8:31 remaining. That would mark their largest lead of the half, as they carried a 42-24 advantage into the locker room, the second largest halftime deficit that GCU has seen this season (20 points to New Mexico on Dec. 23).

The 'Lopes shot 41.2 percent (7-for-17) in the first 20 minutes, while the Blue Raiders boasted an impressive 54.8 percent mark from the field (17-for-31). MT also forced 10 GCU turnovers, which led to 19 points. Larson led GCU with eight first half points, while Garrison added seven.

The closest GCU would come in the second half was 16 points as the Blue Raiders led by as many as 27 in the final two minutes of the game. However, GCU forced the Blue Raiders into foul trouble early and found themselves in the bonus less than five minutes into the second half. The 'Lopes took advantage of the opportunity and drained 19 of their 22 attempts (86.4 percent).

The 'Lopes will next begin their inaugural campaign in the Western Athletic Conference when they open conference play against fellow newcomer Texas-Pan American on Jan. 2 at 7 p.m. at GCU Arena. All ticket and concession sales from the game against Texas Pan-American will benefit Phoenix Dream Center, a local nonprofit organization. In addition, GCU will match any donations made to Dream Center on that day. Donations can be made at the game, by calling (602) 346-8778 or by visiting Phxdreamcenter.org.

MT 79, GCU 56