GCU Routed by Kentucky Wesleyan 

The Grand Canyon University men’s basketball team had just five 3-point field goals in the game as it lost, 71-49, to Kentucky Wesleyan College in third-day action at the Disney Tip-Off Classic tonight in Anaheim, Calif.

The ‘Lopes now are 0-3 on the season, having been defeated in each of their games in Anaheim.

The Panthers (2-1), who blew out Western Washington University yesterday, jumped out to a 32-7 lead tonight. Lightning-quick senior point guard Desmond Stephens, one of 12 upperclassmen on Kentucky Wesleyan’s roster, had 10 points to lead the initial charge. GCU went on a 16-0 run to close the gap to nine, though, and Kentucky Wesleyan scored the final two points in the half to make the score 38-23.

The ‘Lopes had just two 2-point field goals in the half. They shot 4-of-20 (20 percent), including 2-of-9 on three-pointers, and had 11 turnovers to the Panthers’ five. Thirteen made free throws kept them in the game. Kentucky Wesleyan was successful on seven of their 14 three-point attempts (50 percent) in the opening period.

The second half started almost as poorly for GCU as did the first, as Kentucky Wesleyan went on an 18-3 run highlighted by guard Marico Stinson’s three 3-pointers. ‘Lopes head coach Russ Pennell turned to a lineup of three freshmen and the only two seniors on the team, and the result was increased energy and three 3-pointers by freshman guard Steven Morin (pictured, Scottsdale, AZ/Saguaro), who also had one trey in the first half and finished with a career-high 13 points.

The Panthers resumed their assault, however, and led by as many as 28 points in the second half. Stephens had four 3-pointers in the game and a game-high 23 points. Stinson also tossed in four from behind the arc and finished with 12 points. Four Kentucky Wesleyan players scored in double figures.

GCU had 19 turnovers in the game, leading to 23 points for Kentucky Wesleyan.

GCU returns to the court on Saturday, when it hosts Southwestern Bible College in an exhibition game at 5:30 p.m.

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