Boxscore - HTM | PDF
Phoenix, AZ - Grand Canyon University used an early run and a huge advantage at the free throw line to win a season-opening game over the Portland State Vikings, 82-72.
The Vikings had a 10-2 lead in the opening moments, but went cold over the next eight minutes. The 'Lopes went on a 23-4 run to take control of the game. Grand Canyon went into halftime with a 38-24 lead.
PSU was able to get all the way back within two at 57-55 with 7:09 to go, but never led again. The 'Lopes gradually moved it back to double digits, mostly by scoring at the free throw line.
Portland State battled foul trouble throughout the game. Starters Calaen Robinson and Cameron Forte each spent significant stretches on the bench with fouls. Robinson and Khari Holloway eventually fouled out as the Vikings were whistled for 29 fouls.
Grand Canyon took advantage, making 33-40 free throws for an .825 mark. The 'Lopes hit 25-29 in the second half. That made up for poor shooting (23-64, .359) as they also out-rebounded the Vikings, 46-38, including 19 offensive rebounds.
Portland State shot .456 from the field, but only made 16-29 free throws (.552). Forte led the Vikings with 20 points, hitting 8-11 from the field and 4-7 at the line. He also grabbed eight rebounds.
Bryce White scored 16 for the Vikings, making 6-10 shots, 2-4 from three-point range and 2-4 free throws. Also having a good opening night was Collin Spickerman with nine points, a career-high 12 rebounds and four blocked shots.
DeAndre Davis scored 19 points to lead the 'Lopes. He had seven rebounds, six assists and three steals. DeWayne Russell and Josh Braun scored 15 apiece. Braun had 10 rebounds and made 10-10 at the line.
Portland State drops to 0-1 on the season and will return to the Stott Center for its home opener on Monday against Pacific Lutheran.
GAME NOTES: Grand Canyon is a member of the Western Athletic Conference. The 'Lopes were 17-15 last season, 8-6 in the WAC… it was the first ever meeting between the Vikings and the 'Lopes… Starting point guard Calaen Robinson played just 14 minutes because of foul trouble. He had eight points… Donivine Stewart scored 10 points off the bench in 17 minutes… PSU will play two other WAC schools in the preseason, Texas Rio Grande Valley and CSU Bakersfield.
