Grand Canyon's Jaden Henley stole the show at the Save Mart Center, leading his team to a convincing 68-57 win over Fresno State. Henley's impressive performance, which included 23 points and 10 rebounds, was the difference-maker in the game. The Antelopes' victory was predicted by CHD Scout, who forecasted a Grand Canyon win by 2.4 points, although the actual margin of 11 points exceeded expectations.
Fresno State's DeShawn Gory put up a valiant effort, scoring 19 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of Grand Canyon. The Antelopes took control of the game early, building a 26-19 lead by halftime. Fresno State tried to mount a comeback, but Grand Canyon's offense continued to click, scoring 42 points in the second half to seal the win.
Makaih Williams and Nana Owusu-Anane provided significant contributions for Grand Canyon, with Williams scoring 14 points and Owusu-Anane adding 9 points and 12 rebounds. David Douglas Jr. and Jake Heidbreder supported Gory's effort for Fresno State, scoring 15 and 12 points, respectively. However, the Bulldogs' offense struggled to find consistency, ultimately leading to their downfall.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
The game unfolded with Grand Canyon dictating the pace, using their quick ball movement and sharp shooting to keep Fresno State at bay. The Antelopes' defense also played a crucial role, limiting the Bulldogs to just 19 points in the first half and 38 in the second. Fresno State's inability to contain Henley and the Grand Canyon offense was the decisive factor.
This win marks a significant Quad 3 victory for Grand Canyon, who improved their record to 13-7. For Fresno State, the loss drops them to 9-11, and while it was a Quad 2 game for the Bulldogs, it's a missed opportunity to bolster their tournament resume. Grand Canyon's strong performance will likely boost their tournament chances, as they continue to build a solid case for a postseason berth.
The implications of this result are clear: Grand Canyon has taken a step forward in their pursuit of a tournament spot, while Fresno State faces an uphill battle to regain momentum. As the season progresses, Grand Canyon want to build on this win, using their balanced offense and stingy defense to make a push for a higher seed in the tournament. For now, the Antelopes can celebrate a hard-fought victory, one that showcases their potential as a formidable opponent in the world of college basketball.