The Grand Canyon men's basketball team (11-11, 6-3) will look to rebound from their loss to Utah Valley this past Thursday when they host Bakersfield (9-13, 2-6) tonight at 7 p.m. at GCU Arena in Phoenix. GCU defeated Bakersfield in their first meeting in Bakersfield on Jan. 9, 66-63.
TV: Cox7 or
http://www.cox7.com/. Pregame show to begin at 6:30 p.m.
Announcers: Matt Rosen (PxP), Rex Chapman (Analyst) and Barry Buetel (Sideline)
Radio: KKNT 960 AM or
http://www.faithtalk1360.com
Announcers: Michael Potter (PxP) and Dan Nichols (Analyst)
Live Stats: http://www.gculopes.com/
GAME NOTES
VS. BAKERSFIELD
GCU trails the all-time series against the Roadrunners, 19-11, but were victorious in their last meeting, defeating Bakersfield 66-63 on Jan. 9 in California.
LAST TIME OUT
The 'Lopes saw their four-game win streak snapped by WAC leader Utah Valley after dropping a 79-68 decision at GCU Arena on Thursday. GCU overcame a nine point halftime deficit to tie the score with eight minutes remaining, but the Wolverines scored eight unanswered points and never looked back. Killian Larson led the team with 24 points, while Jerome Garrison added 19 and Daniel Alexander had 15. GCU rebounded from a slow first half start and shot 53.8 percent (14-for-26) in the final 20 minutes but it wasn't enough to cool hot-shooting Utah Valley.
POLL POSITION
As GCU embarks on the second half of conference play, the 'Lopes currently find themselves tied for second with New Mexico State. A win coupled with an Aggies loss would put the 'Lopes in sole possession of second place and 1.5 games behind conference leader Utah Valley, who does not play on Saturday. GCU has undoubtedly exceeded all expectations, as they were selected to finish eighth in the WAC preseason coaches' poll and ninth in the media poll.
THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME
GCU is 6-2 at home this season and have lost just four games at GCU Arena since its opening for the 2011-12 season (36-4). The 'Lopes are shooting an impressive 47.2 percent (195-for-413) and averaging 80.3 points per game at home, while winning by an average of 10.4 points. GCU is holding their opponents to just 69.9 points per game in GCU Arena.
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