Vernon leads Lopes to big victory over Kangaroos
PHOENIX -- Keonta Vernon had 18 points and Oscar Frayer pulled down a career-high 13 rebounds as Grand Canyon raced past UMKC 79-62 on Thursday night, giving GCU its fifth win in the last six games.
The teams traded 7-0 runs early, and there were six ties to go along with five lead changes in the first half. Casey Benson scored six of his 14 for the Lopes (16-7, 5-2 Western Athletic) in the midst of a 10-0 run to put them up 12 as time wound down before the break.
The Kangaroos (6-18, 1-6) never got closer than 10 from that point on, as the final 17-point margin matched GCU's largest lead of the night. UMKC has lost four straight.
GCU controlled the boards for most of the evening, outrebounding UMKC 45-24, including a 13-6 margin on the offensive boards.
Broderick Robinson led the Kangaroos with 16 points and Brandon McKissic added 15.
Game Information
- Referees:
- Shawn Lehigh
- Ryan Holmes
- Wilson Holland
2024-25 Summit League Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha | 8-1 | - | 14-10 |
| St. Thomas-Minnesota | 7-1 | 0.5 | 17-6 |
| South Dakota State | 6-3 | 2 | 15-9 |
| North Dakota State | 5-3 | 2.5 | 16-7 |
| South Dakota | 4-4 | 3.5 | 13-10 |
| North Dakota | 3-6 | 5 | 9-15 |
| Kansas City | 2-7 | 6 | 10-14 |
| Denver | 2-7 | 6 | 8-16 |
| Oral Roberts | 2-7 | 6 | 6-16 |
2024-25 Western Athletic Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Canyon | 7-1 | - | 17-5 |
| Utah Valley | 7-1 | - | 15-7 |
| Tarleton State | 5-3 | 2 | 10-13 |
| California Baptist | 4-3 | 2.5 | 11-10 |
| UT Arlington | 4-4 | 3 | 11-11 |
| Seattle U | 3-4 | 3.5 | 8-13 |
| Utah Tech | 2-5 | 4.5 | 6-16 |
| Abilene Christian | 1-6 | 5.5 | 9-13 |
| Southern Utah | 1-7 | 6 | 9-13 |
Men's College Basketball News
