ASU Men's Basketball Outlasts GCU In Dogfight At Footprint Center

Sun Devils fend off Lopes challenge, extend home winning streak

Lopes make late push, but ASU holds on for 73-68 victory

Tempe, Ariz. - In a closely contested battle at the Footprint Center, the Arizona State University (ASU) men's basketball team defeated Grand Canyon University (GCU) 73-68 on Saturday night. With the win, ASU improves to 11-4 on the season, including an 8-0 record at home. GCU falls to 6-9 with the loss. The Sun Devils were led by junior guard DJ Horne, who scored a game-high 22 points on 8-of-13 shooting. Senior forward Kimani Lawrence added 15 points, while junior guard Frankie Collins contributed 14 points and seven assists. The Lopes were led by senior guard Jovan Blacksher Jr., who scored 18 points on 6-of-13 shooting. Junior guard Chance McMillian added 17 points, while junior forward Gabe McGlothan chipped in 15 points. The game was close throughout, with neither team leading by more than eight points at any point. ASU took a 36-32 lead into halftime, but GCU came out strong in the second half and tied the game at 40-40 with just over 16 minutes remaining. The Sun Devils regained the lead and extended it to 57-49 with just over 10 minutes remaining, but the Lopes refused to go away. GCU cut the lead to 63-62 with just over three minutes remaining, but ASU made some key free throws down the stretch to secure the victory. The Sun Devils shot 46.2% from the field, while GCU shot 41.7%. ASU also outrebounded GCU 36-29. With the win, ASU extends its winning streak to four games. The Sun Devils will be back in action on Tuesday, December 20, when they host San Diego State at the Footprint Center.