By Esteban Ramirez
Sports Editor
In a back-and-forth Western Athletic Conference game that had 11 lead changes and 10 ties, Grand Canyon University’s three-point shooting and free throw misses by CSU Bakersfield proved to be the difference as the ’Runners fell 78-76 in the Icardo Center on Feb. 7.
The Antelopes (14-11, 5-3 WAC) used a heavy-guard lineup with only one forward to spread out the floor and it gave the ’Runners’ (9-15, 4-4 WAC) defense problems for most of the game. Because of that the Antelopes shot 53 percent from floor, made 10 of 22 three-point shots and 18 of 22 free throws. CSUB had its struggles at the free-throw line going 14 of 23 for the game.
Despite that, the score was tied 70-70 with a minute left in the game. Then GCU’s redshirt-junior guard Ryan Majerle, who is the son of ex-NBA player and GCU coach Dan Majerle, hit a three point shot from the right corner that put the Antelopes up 73-70.
The ’Runners were looking to cut into the lead with junior center Aly Ahmed shooting two free throws but he missed both and the Antelopes were able to get possession and pull away.
This loss snaps a four-game winning streak for the ’Runners.
“The whole game we made a mistake that put us in that position in the final minute,” Ahmed said. “I take a lot of the responsibility about the free throws I missed. I also think we had a couple of turnovers in the wrong time today.
“They are more of an offensive team, and that’s why the score went so high. That’s what they do. They can shoot from the point guard to the big men, so for me it was hard to guard. That’s what they do and I don’t think we guarded it well.”
CSUB coach Rod Barnes said that they made some big shots.
“We got to give them credit,” CSUB coach Rod Barnes said. “They made some shots. They’re a good offensive team, and their offense was better than our defense tonight. I thought we play into a position where we can win the game, but they made big shots.”
CSUB was able to build an early 21-11 lead in the first half thanks in part to its own offense which shot 56.5 percent in the half. But the Antelopes responded with 15 first half points from redshirt-freshman guard Joshua Braun. GCU outscored CSUB 26-13 in the final 11 minutes of the first half and went into halftime with a 37-34 lead.
Ahmed led the way for CSUB with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Junior forward Kevin Mays had 15 points and seven rebounds. Redshirt-senior guard Javonte Maynor had 15 points and senior guard Tyrell Corbin added 13 points.
“I feel like we didn’t execute well on the defensive end as well as we should have,” Mays said. “I feel like overall we played really hard, stayed together but we just didn’t come out victorious.
“I feel like I missed a big shot. I think the game was tied. I had a corner shot and I missed it. Then they made a big shot with the three in the corner, but I think that three in the corner was an open look. We had a mental lapse on defense, but we’re going to watch film and get it right for the next game.”
CSUB will play at the University of Texas-Pan American on Feb. 12.
