- JaKobe Coles scores game-high 22 points with 54% shooting efficiency
- Antelopes extend winning streak to 7 ahead of WAC title game
- Grand Canyon holds Cal Baptist to 16 first-half points in defensive showcase
- Dominique Daniels Jr. leads Lancers with 18 points in losing effort
The Grand Canyon Antelopes delivered a masterclass in tournament resilience Friday night, outlasting Cal Baptist 75-66 in the Western Athletic Conference semifinals. Their seventh consecutive victory sets up Saturday's championship showdown with top-seeded Utah Valley, a matchup that could determine the WAC's NCAA Tournament representative.
Junior forward JaKobe Coles emerged as the offensive catalyst, converting 7 of 13 field goals including two critical three-pointers. His 16 second-half points helped thwart multiple Cal Baptist comeback attempts. When they cut it to five late, we knew we needed big plays,Coles said postgame. This team thrives under pressure.
Three strategic factors defined Grand Canyon's victory:
- Defensive Anchoring: Held opponents to 38% shooting through three quarters
- Bench Production: Reserves contributed 22 points compared to CBU's 9
- Clutch Free Throws: Went 14-17 (82%) from the line in final five minutes
The Antelopes' Nevada connection proved pivotal in their Paradise, NV tournament run. Local businesses reported 23% increases in team merchandise sales this week, while regional sports networks saw a 41% viewership jump for GCU games compared to last season. This program has become the Southwest's rising basketball force,noted Phoenix sports analyst Mark Tolbert.
Cal Baptist's Tylen Riley provided defensive sparks with three steals, but the Lancers struggled against Grand Canyon's switching perimeter defense. Their 2-for-11 three-point shooting in crucial fourth-quarter minutes sealed the outcome. We'll study the tape and come back stronger,vowed head coach Rick Croy.
With Saturday's championship game looming, all eyes turn to Grand Canyon's backcourt rotation. Point guard Jovan Blacksher Jr., who dished out six assists Friday, will need to counter Utah Valley's NCAA-best 9.2 steals per game. The Antelopes have dropped two of their last three against UVU, including an 82-74 road loss in February where they surrendered 18 fast-break points.