BOX SCORE

PHOENIX, Ariz. — What seemed like a game that could come down to the final possession turned into a disappointing loss for the Dominican University of California men's baketball team on Saturday afternoon, as the Penguins fell 77-62 to Grand Canyon University in Pacific West Conference play at Antelope Gymnasium.

The lead exchanged hands seven times in the first half and neither team held larger than a three-point lead. Sophomore center Killian Larson knocked down a pair of free throws to send the Penguins into halftime with a 32-30 lead.

Larson finished with his sixth double-double of the season, leading all scorers with 20 points and 11 rebounds, but he alone wasn't enough to combat GCU in the second half. The 'Lopes found their stride, going 14-of-26 (.538) from the field and 5-of-10 (.500) from behind the arc after shooting just 10-of-28 (.357) and 4-of-14 (.286) in the first half. They also made it to the free throw line 21 times in the second half alone. In contrast, the Penguins reached the foul line just 12 times in the game.

The 'Lopes came into the game ranked No. 9 in the NCAA Division II West Region poll.  Junior guard Nick Witherill came off the bench and made three-pointers to lead GCU with 16 points. Fellow junior guard Kyle Speed added a dozen points and senior guard Rony Tchatchoua added 10 points. Sophomore Brad Carroll led the 'Lopes with 10 rebounds.

Freshman guard Brendan Holmes had a career-high three three-pointers for a career-high nine points for Dominican. Junior guard Xander McNally added eight points and four assists in the loss. Freshman guard Myles Carrillo, freshman forward Connor Haysbert, and junior guard Mark Lewis each added seven points apiece.

Dominican returns home to San Rafael to host the next three games, beginning on Saturdday, Feb. 15 when BYU-Hawaii comes calling. The Seasiders, who are currently ranked No. 7 in the West Region, are led by senior guard Marques Whippy. He leads all NCAA Division II men's basketball players in rebounding with an 11.9 per game average, while his 3.1 steals per contest ranks him fourth in the nation. The game will be broadcast live, with Internet radio available at http://radio.dominican.edu and live video avaiable at www.dominicanathletics.com/livevideo.