The Grand Canyon Antelopes (18-2) and the Western Athletic’s top-ranked offense welcome the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners (14-6) and the top-ranked defense in the conference. Action begins at 9:00 pm ET on Thursday, Jan. 28.
The Antelopes enter this game hoping for similar success after topping UMKC 85-78 in their last matchup. Joshua Braun played a pivotal role, recording his fourth double-double of the season with 31 points and 10 rebounds. The Roadrunners, meanwhile, are feeling some disappointment after their close 68-67 loss against New Mexico State in their last game. Jaylin Airington had a team-high 16 points.
Braun has taken his game to another level over the last five games for the Antelopes. During that stretch, he has averaged 25.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.8 steals, and 3.4 three-pointers. Dedrick Basile has upped his play for the Roadrunners. In the same five-game span, he is averaging 16.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.6 steals, and 1.4 three-pointers.
This showdown pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses, as Grand Canyon currently ranks 31st in offensive efficiency and Cal State Bakersfield is 30th in defensive efficiency.
Notes
Cal State Bakersfield lost its last game by a one-point margin. In games decided by a margin of three points or less, Grand Canyon is 1-0. Cal State Bakersfield is 0-1 in close games this season.
On average, Grand Canyon has 70.6 possessions per game and scores 1.145 points on each possession. Cal State Bakersfield has both fewer possessions (67.9) and scores fewer points during those possessions (1.069).
The Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners average an effective field goal percentage of 50.5% this season. The Grand Canyon Antelopes have a winning 4-2 record in games where opponents have an eFG% of 50.5% or greater.
The Grand Canyon Antelopes average 16.0 three point attempts per game, while the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners attempt 15.0. When attempting 20 or more three pointers in a game, Grand Canyon is 3-1 while Cal State Bakersfield is undefeated (2-0).
Grand Canyon ranks 56th in the nation with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.28, while Cal State Bakersfield ranks 66th with an A/TO of 1.25.
Grand Canyon, the 81st-ranked team in rebounding, register an average of 38.6 rebounds per game. Cal State Bakersfield does worse, ranked 115th with 37.9.
Cal State Bakersfield makes an average of 7.7 steals per game. Grand Canyon has a stellar 6-2 record when it allows at least 7 steals.
