SDSU at Grand Canyon
Date: 8 p.m. Wednesday
Location: GCU Arena, Phoenix
Broadcast: Fox Sports 1; 760-AM
Records: SDSU is 13-4, 7-0; GCU is 11-6, 4-2
Series history: Grand Canyon holds a 4-1 advantage overall and 3-1 since both teams became Division I. The Antelopes remain undefeated at GCU Arena against SDSU, with victories of 76-72 in 2016 and 79-73 in 2023.
Aztecs update: They travel to a location where they have yet to secure a win without Magoon Gwath, who has been ruled out for Wednesday night due to a suspected hip issue. This makes their challenge against a tough, athletic team even more significant. The Aztecs, however, are in peak form, riding a seven-game winning streak and claiming 10 of their last 11. Their only defeat since November came against No. 1 Arizona in Phoenix, marking their second trip to the Valley of the Sun within a month. Miles Byrd is coming off his best performance of the season with 21 points, eight rebounds, three assists, three steals, and four blocks, marking the sixth time in his career he has scored over 20 points. Historically, after four of his prior five such games, his scoring has dipped to zero, seven, eight, and five points in the subsequent matches. Currently, the Aztecs rank second in the Mountain West, averaging 82.0 points (trailing Utah State at 85.3) and third in victory margin at 9.8. Despite a loss, New Mexico ranks slightly ahead of them in Kenpom metrics (45 to 46). SDSU’s rankings continue to rise, hitting 32 in KPI and 39 in T-Rank. Kenpom forecasts a close 72-71 win for the Aztecs.
Antelopes update: Do not underestimate their WAC origins; this team is evolving into a contender, having reached the NCAA Tournament in three consecutive seasons (with a victory in 2024). The season has had its ups and downs, including unexpected home losses to Youngstown State and Colorado State. Recently, however, they are finding their rhythm, achieving a 17-point victory over Boise State and defeating then-No. 23 Utah State at home on Saturday. Offensively, they’ve faced challenges (ranking 152nd in Kenpom offensive efficiency), but their defense has proven reliable (35th), effectively limiting opponents’ second-chance opportunities with shot blockers Nana Owusu-Anane and 7-1 Efe Demirel. Jaden Henley, a 6-7 transfer from UNLV, ranks fifth in the conference with 16.9 points per game. Owusu-Anane, standing at 6-8 and 240 pounds, is fifth in rebounding at 8.9. Other starters include 6-2 Brian Moore Jr. and 6-6 Caleb Shaw, while Makiah Williams contributes 12.8 points off the bench. The team also features transfers from Gonzaga (6-6 Dusty Stromer), Louisville (7-2 Dennis Evans), and Washington (6-10 William Breidenbach).
Next up: Saturday at UNLV (1 p.m., CBS)
