Tyron Grant-Foster score 22 points and had seven rebounds leading Grand Canyon to its first ever NCAA Tournament win by beating St. Mary’s 75 to 66. Ray Harrison added 17 points and six assists for the Antelopes. 12th Seed Grand Canyon will face No. 4 Seed Alabama in Sunday’s second round matchup.
Grand Canyon shot 42.9 percent, including 5 – 18 from the three . Lok Wur had four of Grand Canyon’s nine blocked shots. Saint Mary’s shot 38.8 percent from the field and made 7 of 25 from 3-point range.
The Gaels pulled within 35-34, then Grand Canyon went on a 17-1 run. Gabe McGlothan scored six straight points and Foster followed with five on a 3-pointer and a dunk to give the Antelopes a 46-34 lead. After Augustas Marciulionis two free throws, Harrison scored six straight points to push the Grand Canyon lead to 52 to 35 with 11:15 left in the game.
St Mary’s pulled within 64 to 58 with 4:34 remaining but the Lopes kept Saint Mary’s from getting closer. Harrison’s layup made it 69-60 with 1:41 left and Grant-Foster made two free throws with 1:01 to go as Grand Canyon closed it out.
Mitchell Saxen had 14 points and 11 rebounds while Aidan Mahaney scored 13 points however her shot 5 of 21 from the field for fifth-seeded Saint Mary’s.
Photo Credit – Reuters
