Box Score PHOENIX, AZ – Chaminade lost a tough road contest tonight 77-69 to Grand Canyon at the GCU Arena. The Swords battled the 'Lopes throughout and led the game at the half, 36-33.
Chaminade shot 36% from the floor in the opening half, while GCU shot 41%. The Swords did a great job at the line, shooting 13-16 from the charity stripe in the opening half.
The second half was a competitive one, as the Swords led 38-33 with 17:34 left in the game following a
Lee Bailey (Detroit, MI/Detroit Country Day) layup. GCU responded with a 19-4 run to lead 52-40 with 12:28 left in the contest. The Swords refused to quit, as a
Rickey Clayborn dunk, cut the lead to 65-60 with just over four minutes left in the game. The 'Lopes responded and won the contest 77-69.
Chaminade senior forward
Rickey Clayborn (Chicago, IL/E. Chicago) played well in a return from injury, scoring 10 points and adding 12 rebounds. Senior
Matt Cousins (Santa Rosa, CA/Cardinal Newman) had 16 points and 10 rebounds, while
Dominique Cooks (Wollongong, AUS/Holy Spirit College) added 14 points in defeat.
Coach Bovaird spoke about the game: “Our guys played hard tonight. We were right there with a chance to win late in the game. Grand Canyon hit some big three's down the stretch. We are playing better, but we need to get a win. ”
The Swords were out-rebounded by Grand Canyon 41-37. Chaminade shot 37% from the floor while the 'Lopes shot 46% for the contest.
Chaminade remains on the road for PacWest action on Feb. 25th at Dixie State. Tip is set for 7:30 PM MT in St. George, UT.
With the loss, the Swords move to 9-13, 7-8 in PWC while GCU moves to 16-7, 10-5 in the PWC.
