Grand Canyon University Redshirt Freshman guard Joshua Braun has been asked to do a little bit of everything this season. A natural off guard at 6’4” he has played all other postions including center in Coach Dan Majerle’s four guard on the floor at one time scheme. He once again came up huge in Grand Canyon’s (16-11 7-3 WAC) 64-59 victory over University of Texas Pan-American (9-18 3-8 WAC) for sole possession of second place in the WAC Thursday night at GCU arena in Phoenix, Arizona.

With just 3 seconds left Braun hit his final two free throws after missing a second free throw just moments before one only to see him slash to the bucket, grab his own rebound and get fouled. In the end the Antelopes, who only led in the game the last 49 seconds, got revenge on the Broncs who beat them by one point in Texas earlier in the season. Braun finished the game with 14 points. GCU’s De’Andre Davis came off the bench to score 14 points. The Lopes’ shot 44 percent (29-for-54) from the field in the contest and 14 of 18 from the charity stripe.

For Texas Pan-American, who led almost the entire game, it was a crushing defeat. The Bronc’s were up by as many as 11 at one point 49-38 with 9:50 left in the second half only to see the Lopes chip away and close late for the win. UTPA were led by four players in double figures including Shaquille Hines with 12 points, Janari Joessr with 11 points, Shaquille Boga with 11 points and Dan Kimasa added 10 points. UTPA shot 41 percent from the field (25-for-61). The Broncs did outrebound the Lopes 39-31.

GCU will now stay home for a match with WAC leader New Mexico State on Saturday February 21st 2015 at 7:00 p.m. The game could determine who wins the WAC conference. UTPA will head to Utah Valley for a contest with the Wolverines on February 21st 2015 at 7:05 p.m.    

Notes:

GCU won its 16th game of the season for its highest total since joining NCAA D1. They only had 15 total wins last year.

The Lopes have now won 5 games in a row setting up a huge clash with New Mexico State for first place in the WAC on Saturday night. The Aggies are 10-1 in the conference.