GCU hits 20th win with defeat over Chicago State

Thursday, February 23

Phoenix, Ariz.

7:00 P.M.

Grand Canyon

20-9, 9-3WAC

Chicago State

6-23, 1-11WAC

Chicago State

Grand Canyon

2/23/2017 7:30:00 PM | Men's Basketball

Box Score

By: Josh Hauser

PHOENIX -- Joshua Braun tied Grand Canyon's all-time single-game 3-point record with nine makes on the evening as the Lopes cruised to a 82-59 victory over the Chicago State Cougars on Thursday night. The Lopes improve to 9-3 in the conference with their fifth consecutive win, pulling into a second-place tie with New Mexico State in the standings. With the win, GCU reached the 20-win plateau for the second straight year.

"It means a lot to have back-to-back 20 win seasons in just our fourth year of Division I basketball," head coach Dan Majerle said. "We had guys go down early in the year and we knew it was going to be tough. We've been battling, going on the road and winning. Then we come in here against a team that we've really struggled against, and we played well. Defensively we were really good in that first half, which got us off to a great start."

Braun went 9-for-19 behind the arc on the evening, setting a career-high and tying the school's all-time record. The junior finished with 29 points on 10-of-21 shooting.

"It's been awhile since I have gotten that many open looks," Braun said. "I got in a rhythm early and I was able to hit some. There was a few in-and-outs that I wish would have dropped as well, but it was a fun night."

Braun led Grand Canyon to a hot start, promptly knocking down a pair of 3-point baskets and a layup. He scored GCU's first eight points of the contest less than two minutes into the game. With another 3-point shot moments later, Braun was in double figures when the game was just 3:09 old.

Braun ended the first half with six made 3-pointers and 20 points in total. By comparison, the Cougars had just 22 points as a team.

The Lopes continued to scorch the Chicago State press early in the game, leading to open 3-pointers. In the first half, the Lopes fired off 20 3-point attempts, 8 of which found the bottom of the net.

"We really concentrated on pushing the ball, attacking and not letting them set up," Majerle continued. "That was probably the problem at Chicago State, we just set up and didn't move bodies at all. Tonight, we really pushed it, moved, cut in the middle and attacked early. Obviously it helps when Josh comes out and hits threes. That makes a big difference when your best players make threes at the beginning of the game. That gets you off to a good start."

What was a fairly close game through 15 minutes was broken wide open on a 12-0 GCU run with the Lopes taking a 41-20 advantage. Grand Canyon went into the locker room doubling up Chicago State, 44-22.

While not extending their lead any further in the second half, the Lopes didn't let Chicago State chip away either. GCU finished the game leading from wire-to-wire.

"I think a big thing was Oscar (Frayer) getting five offensive rebounds in the first half," Majerle added. "I told him he's got to take it to the basket and use his athleticism, and he did a great job rebounding and pounding the offensive boards. We really attacked the ball and got some easy buckets."

DeWayne Russell had 16 points and seven assists, continuing a streak of 31 consecutive double-figure scoring games. His 563 points on the season is an individual season record for Division I play, with regular and potential postseason play remaining.

The Lopes finish off the regular season home schedule this Saturday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. against conference foe, UMKC.