GCU Cruises to Victory Over Delaware State

Tuesday, December 15

Phoenix, Ariz.

7 p.m.

Grand Canyon

8-2

Delaware State

0-10

Delaware State

Grand Canyon

12/15/2015 9:16:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

By: Steven Gonzalez

PHOENIX – The Grand Canyon men's basketball team got back to its winning ways Tuesday night after defeating Delaware State 88-59. The Antelopes were led by Keonta Vernon with a double-double scoring 15 points along with 10 rebounds. GCU improves to 8-2 this season.

The Lopes had four players score in double-figures (Braun, Majerle, Martin, Vernon) tying for the most players in a game this season. Out of the 40 minutes, GCU led for 37 minutes and 19 seconds.

Good bounce-back win for us. Shot the ball extremely well. Keonta was really good early with great energy, got in foul trouble early but came back and picked it up in the second," head coach Dan Majerle said. "DeWayne was terrific getting the ball to those guys in sports were they could score. Overall just a good win. We have had a long homestand obviously, and to be 8-2, I'm happy and now we are on the road."

In his first start of the season, Vernon made his presence known in the starting five throwing down three thunderous dunks to help give GCU an early 11-4 lead. GCU's defense was impressive to start the game, not allowing Delaware State to score from the 18:43 mark until 14:04 left in the first half.

Grand Canyon attacking offensively shooting 69.6 percent in the first 20 minutes of play. The defense remained stellar not allowing the Hornets to score for four minutes to end the first half. The Lopes were led by Joshua Braun with nine points, three rebounds and two assists in the first half. Ryan Majerle caught fire late in the second half nailing three 3-pointers tying a team-high nine points in the first half. GCU would go into halftime with a 40-28 lead.

"Tonight I was able to get into a shooting rhythm but more importantly I played better on the defensive end," Ryan Majerle said. "We have to continue to trust the process and continue to work hard in the gym so we can become a better team."

Grand Canyon tried to put the game away early in the second half and the Lopes would outscore Delaware State 18-3 in the first six minutes of the second half. GCU continued to stay active on defense, forcing 11 turnovers in the second half to help outscore Delaware State 48-31.

Ten of the 11 players that saw playing time scored for Grand Canyon and as a team the Lopes were able to take advantage of Delaware State in the paint, outscoring DESU 34-18.

GCU will now head out on the road for just the second time this season against San Diego on Friday, Dec. 18.