Kyle Speed (Seattle, Wash., Lake Washington, Johnson County CC) led Grand Canyon (2-5) with 13 points. Brad Carroll (Chandler, Ariz., Corona del Sol, Milwaukee), who was named to the all-tournament team, had 10 points. Junior Justin Wesolowski (Mesa, Ariz., Mountain View, Northern Colorado) earned game-high honors in rebounds with nine and team-high honors in assists with four.
“The game got away in the second half,” said GCU coach Russ Pennell. “We missed a lay-up and two free throws. They hit a couple shots and we were down double digits and fighting an uphill battle.”
Grand Canyon had an 8-0 first-half run and led 15-6. Junior Nick Witherill (Phoenix, Ariz., Highland, Washington State), who missed Friday’s game due to illness, hit his first shot attempt, a 3-pointer, and added a two-pointer on the team’s next offensive trip. Sophomore Braylon Pickrel (Mesa, Ariz., Red Mountain, Mesa CC) hit a 3-pointer and the ‘Lopes led by nine.
Unfortunately for GCU, Seattle Pacific came back with a 17-2 flurry. To close the first half, GCU scored on a pair of Carroll free throws and a lefty-jumper from Wesolowski to make it 31-25.
“We’re closer than people think,” said Carroll. “The end result doesn’t show it but we’re right there. We’re 2-5 and making no excuses, but we’re closer than our record shows.”
Freshman Chris Johnson (Phoenix, Ariz., Highland) added eight points. Witherill finished with seven. Senior Rony Tchatchoua (Douala, Cameroon, Little Rock Christian, New Hampshire) had two blocked shots.
Seattle Pacific (4-2) was led by Chris Banchero, the tournament MVP, with 23 points.
GCU is off until a Dec. 17 home contest with Simon Fraser.
“We need to get back in the gym and see if we can come up with some answers,” added Pennell, on his team’s opportunity to get plenty of practice time in prior to the next game.
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