San Diego State University (SDSU) will face Grand Canyon University (GCU) on Wednesday night at 8 p.m. at the GCU Arena in Phoenix. This matchup features two teams with impressive records. SDSU stands at 13-4 overall and maintains an undefeated conference record of 7-0. In contrast, GCU has a record of 11-6 with a 4-2 mark in conference play.
Series History
Grand Canyon leads the series against SDSU with a 4-1 overall record. In the Division I era, GCU has won three of four games. Notably, the Antelopes have won both previous encounters at their home arena, claiming victories of 76-72 in 2016 and 79-73 in 2023.
SDSU Aztecs Update
The Aztecs head into this game without key player Magoon Gwath, who is sidelined with a hip injury. This absence adds difficulty to their challenge against a formidable GCU team. Despite this setback, SDSU has been performing exceptionally well, winning seven consecutive games and ten of their last eleven. Their sole defeat in this period came against the top-ranked Arizona team in Phoenix.
Recent Performance
- Miles Byrd had a standout game last time out, scoring 21 points and contributing eight rebounds and three assists.
- This marked the sixth occasion in Byrd’s career that he scored 20 or more points.
- However, he has a pattern of inconsistent follow-up performances after his big games.
SDSU ranks second in the Mountain West Conference in scoring, averaging 82.0 points per game, behind Utah State’s 85.3. The Aztecs hold the third-best margin of victory in the conference at 9.8 points. Although they faced a setback in the Kenpom rankings after their loss to New Mexico, SDSU is projected by Kenpom to win this game 72-71.
Grand Canyon Antelopes Update
Grand Canyon has established itself as a competitive force in recent years, qualifying for the NCAA Tournament in the last three seasons. They achieved a notable victory in the tournament in 2024. Despite a couple of surprising home losses earlier this season to Youngstown State and Colorado State, the Antelopes are currently on a winning streak. They secured a significant 17-point victory at Boise State and defeated then-No. 23 Utah State in their most recent game.
Key Players
- Jaden Henley, a 6-7 transfer from UNLV, is one of the top scorers in the conference, averaging 16.9 points per game.
- Nana Owusu-Anane, a 6-8 forward from Brown, is fifth in the conference in rebounding with an average of 8.9 boards per game.
- Among other starters, Brian Moore Jr. (6-2) and Caleb Shaw (6-6) contribute significantly to the team’s performance.
- Makiah Williams adds depth, averaging 12.8 points off the bench.
Grand Canyon’s roster also includes several talented transfers, including Dusty Stromer (Gonzaga), Dennis Evans (Louisville), and William Breidenbach (Washington). Following this game, the Antelopes will face UNLV on Saturday at 1 p.m.
