Story and photos provided by Michael Rincon
The Grand Canyon University men’s basketball team defeated Norfolk State 85-60 in front of 6,889 spectators at Grand Canyon Arena on Monday.
The Lopes opened up a 7-0 lead during the first three minutes of the game before Norfolk State was able to bucket its first points. Over the next five minutes the Spartans managed to close the gap and take the lead from GCU with 8:34 left in the first half. The teams traded buckets briefly but a 14-5 run to close the half put the Lopes in the lead for good.
Grand Canyon outscored the Spartans 48-38 in the second half to stretch the margin to 25.
GCU’s Oscar Frayer led all scorers with 19 points, include four 3-pointers. Three other Lopes scored in double figures. Casey Benson totaled 15 points, Roberts Blumbergs had 14 and Allesandro Lever was big in the key with 12 on the night.
Norfolk State’s leading scorer was Steven Whitley with 18 points.
Next up for the Antelopes is San Diego on Saturday, Nov. 25. Game time is 7:00 p.m.