Box Score

Phoenix, AZ – A close contest in the early going, Academy of Art could not recapture the lead due to a run by Grand Canyon in the second period, falling 76-62 in the end. Antelope Gymnasium was the site of Thursday night's game where junior forward Keith Davis turned in a game-high 23 points, including eight during a 12-5 comeback surge by the Urban Knights to open the second half.

Both teams battled for an advantage from the start, but four points was the largest margin for either team in the first 17 minutes of action. A 3-pointer by Davis was the first basket for ART U and steady offense had the Knights hanging right with the #9 team in the West Region. Academy of Art soon took an 11-10 lead on a jumper by freshman forward William Overton, Jr., but Grand Canyon would stay close. Tied for the fifth time, 22-22, the 'Lopes then made a move.

GCU managed to gain its largest lead of the half with a 13-3 run primarily via the long-range shooting of forward Steve Morin. After trailing 37-27 at halftime, the Urban Knights quickly cut the margin down with a 10-2 run including eight unanswered points to open the second half. Davis, who led all players with 15 points at halftime, continued to stay hot, scoring eight of ART U's first 10 points in the period.

The 'Lopes pushed back, however, by way of an 18-0 burst which reestablished their advantage. Offensive production from senior guard Devin Williams helped reduce the deficit late, but GCU remained in front the rest of the way, eventually winning 76-62.

As the game's top scorer, Davis finished the night with 23 points (8-of-13 from the field), including 2-of-3 from long range and 5-of-6 from the foul line. He added four rebounds as well. Overton, Jr. and freshman guard Czar Robotham both scored in double figures with 10 points apiece. The two freshmen also combined for five rebounds, four steals, and three assists. Williams came off the bench to score nine points with a perfect night at the free throw line (4-of-4). Junior center Hunter Hayden grabbed a team-high six rebounds while registering a season-best four blocks. Academy of Art University's record becomes 5-16 overall, 2-9 in the PacWest.

Grand Canyon received an 18-point performance from guard Nick Witherill who was 7-of-8 shooting from the floor. Forwards Steve Morin and Rony Tchatchoua combined for 26 points off the 'Lopes bench. GCU is now 11-7 overall, 6-2 in PacWest action.

ART U continues its final out-of-state roadtrip with a rematch coming against Dixie State on Saturday, Feb. 12. The Knights and Red Storm are scheduled to tipoff at 6:30 PM PST (7:30 PM MST) following the women's game.