GCU Improves to 3-0 After Win Over Alcorn State

Thursday, November 19

Phoenix, Ariz.

7 p.m.

Grand Canyon

3-0

Alcorn State

0-1

Alcorn State

Grand Canyon

11/19/2015 9:17:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

By: Steven Gonzalez

PHOENIX – Grand Canyon took a two-game winning streak to start the season into Thursday's game against Alcorn State at GCU Arena. The Antelopes shot nearly 50 percent for the game as they earned their third straight victory to start the season, defeating Alcorn State 79-46.

"Great game, a lot better. I thought our intensity for the most part for 40 minutes was pretty good. First half, we just kind of grinded it out and second half just really got it going," head coach Dan Majerle said. "I was a little disappointed with rebounding in the first half but in the second half we outrebounded them and did a better job defensively. Once again we had some guys come off the bench especially I thought Matt Jackson did a great job for us coming off the bench and playing well. I'm really happy with this win and I thought our guys played really hard."

Both teams struggled offensively to start the game, looking to find an offensive rhythm but the Lopes' offense picked up in the latter part of the first half. Grand Canyon took the method of balanced scoring, receiving scoring contributions from seven different players led by Josh Braun with 10 points. Grandy Glaze was able to make an impact in the first half on the glass, leading GCU with five rebounds.

Grand Canyon brought the defense in the first 20 minutes of play limiting Alcorn State to 34.5 percent shooting from the field and forcing 13 turnovers. The Lopes were able to shoot 52.2 percent in the first half to take a 34-24 lead going into halftime.

As GCU struggled offensively early in the second half, their defense remained stout forcing a near six-minute scoring drought midway through the half. The defense sparked the offense as the Lopes made a 15-0 run from the 11:39 mark until 4:09 left in the game to take a 63-37 lead. DeWayne Russell's reached double digits in the second half adding 14 points along with two assists and three rebounds.

"Alcorn State played a style that was favorable for us," Russell said. "We have really good big men this year and every play we crash the boards hard, which creates more possessions on offense for us."

Glaze was the only GCU player to reach double digits in rebounds, pulling down 10 boards while chipping in eight points. Every GCU player that suited up saw playing time on the court including Grant White, scoring eight points in the final 3:48 of the game. The Lopes would close the game on a 10-1 run to take home their third straight victory to start the season.

Grand Canyon's 33-point margin of victory was its biggest since a 50-point win over Western New Mexico on Nov. 16, 2013. It was GCU's biggest win as a member of the Division I ranks over a Division I opponent.

The Lopes will take the weekend off from play before continuing their homestand on Monday, Nov. 23, against Mississippi Valley State. Tip off is set for 7 p.m. at GCU Arena.