GCU can achieve best start in D-I era with win Saturday
Grand Canyon’s men’s basketball team can achieve its best start in the NCAA Division I era Saturday at 8-1 with a win over Mississippi Valley State.
Mississippi Valley State (0-5) at GCU (7-1), Saturday, 6 p.m., at GCU Arena, FOX 10 Xtra, ESPN+
About the Antelopes: GCU rallied from a 12-point deficit in the first half, but needed the clutch play of junior point guard Jovan Blacksher Jr., down the stretch Thursday to beat the University of Texas at San Antonio 74-71. Blacksher scored a career-high 25 points, 14 coming in the last nine minutes. He also had seven assists and three steals. Blacksher knocked down three 3pointers to help GCU overcome a 55-51 deficit. GCU’s top three scorers have been Blacksher, Holland Woods II and Gabe McGlothan, all local guys who went to Valley high schools who are each averaging in double figures scoring.
“He was fantastic,” coach Bryce Drew said of Blacksher’s play. “Big shot after big shot for us. He played 39 minutes. It’s just hard to take him off the floor with how many good things he does for us.”
About the Delta Devils: They’ve lost all five meetings against GCU, including last year in Bryce Drew’s first year at GCU, where the Antelopes won 88-49. Head coach Lindsey Hunter was given the Phoenix Suns job as interim head coach in January 2013, replacing Alvin Gentry. The Suns went 25-57 that year. This is Hunter’s third season as head coach at MVSU. They lost to the California Baptist of the WAC 95-66 last month. They lost to Drew’s former school, Vanderbilt, 75-36, on Monday. Robert Carpenter leads the Devils with 17.3 points a game. Sophomore guard Caleb Hunter, the son of Lindsey Hunter, averages 12 points.