Grand Canyon vs. Cal Baptist: WAC Semifinal Showdown Tonight

PARADISE, Nevada — The Grand Canyon Antelopes (24-7, 14-3 WAC) take on the Cal Baptist Lancers (17-14, 10-7 WAC) in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Tournament semifinals on Friday at 11:30 p.m. EDT. This matchup is crucial for both teams as they vie for a place in the championship game.

The Antelopes enter the game following an impressive season where they achieved a 14-3 record in WAC play, and they’re 4-1 in one-possession games this year. They average 79.0 points per game, demonstrating a notable offensive edge over the Lancers, who average 71.4 points while allowing an average of 69.9 points per game.

In the previous two meetings this season, Grand Canyon emerged victorious in both, including a narrow 66-64 win on February 23, where JaKobe Coles led the Antelopes with 18 points. On the other side, Cal Baptist’s standout player, Dominique Daniels Jr., scored 24 points in that matchup.

Top performers on the Antelopes roster include Rayshon Harrison, who averages 11.4 points and Coles, who has averaged 15.5 points over the last ten games. For Cal Baptist, Daniels Jr. has been consistent, averaging 19.6 points and 3.1 assists, making him a key player to watch.

In their last ten games, Grand Canyon holds an 8-2 record, averaging 77.5 points per game while shooting 48.4% from the field. Comparatively, the Lancers have a 6-4 record and average 67.3 points with a shooting percentage of 41.3%. This matchup highlights contrasting styles, with the Antelopes employing a dynamic offense against the Lancers’ defensive strategy.

“This game is crucial for both teams, and we need to control the pace,” said Grand Canyon head coach Bryce Drew. “If we can get to the free-throw line and limit our fouls, I believe we can dictate the flow of the game.”

Cal Baptist’s strategy will likely focus on maintaining defensive pressure and pushing the tempo. They have averaged 1.21 points per possession on fast breaks in their recent games, showing a significant improvement from the regular season.

As the tournament progresses, momentum plays a key role. Cal Baptist has won four straight games leading up to this semifinal, including a hard-fought victory against Tarleton State, highlighting their resilience.

“We’re geared up and ready for this challenge,” said a confident Daniels Jr. “We’ve proven we can compete with them, and we’re looking to build on that.”

The game features an over/under set at 142.5 points, with Grand Canyon favored by 8.5 points. Statistically, both teams have shown they can score efficiently, which could lead to a high-scoring matchup.

This late-night battle in Paradise promises to be an energetic contest as both teams vie for a spot in the WAC championship. Fans can tune in live on ESPN+ to catch all the action.