Grand Canyon beats CSUB 72-59 for first place in WAC

Feb 3, 2019, 05:51 am

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Carlos Johnson scored 20 points and Grand Canyon beat Cal State Bakersfield 72-59 on Saturday night in a game for first place in the Western Athletic Conference standings.

Grand Canyon (14-7, 7-1 Western Athletic Conference) and CSU Bakersfield (15-7, 6-2) entered tied with New Mexico State (18-4, 7-1), which beat Chicago State 83-39 Saturday night, atop the conference. The Antelopes host New Mexico State next Saturday.

Damari Milstead added 18 points for Grand Canyon.

Jarkel Joiner scored 27 points to lead CSUB. Greg Lee added 16 points. The pair each made two of the Roadrunners' six 3-pointers on 24 attempts.

Gerard Martin scored all five of his points on a dunk and 3-pointer during a 24-8 run and Grand Canyon led 56-41 with 7:49 remaining. Matt Jackson added six of his nine points during the stretch. Martin finished with a game-high five steals.

The Antelopes outscored CSUB 27-5 from the free-throw line.