In a highly anticipated matchup at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, the ASU men’s basketball team defeated GCU with a final score of 87-76. The star wing for GCU, Tyon Grant-Foster, struggled to find his rhythm in his first game back, scoring 19 points on 5 of 17 shooting. Head coach Bobby Hurley credited freshman guard Joson Sanon for his defensive efforts in containing Grant-Foster and forcing him to take contested shots.
Despite Grant-Foster’s offensive struggles, he made up for it on the defensive end with a block and four steals in the first half. GCU coach Bryce Drew commended Grant-Foster’s defensive efforts, calling him “terrific” in the first half. Sanon had a career night, scoring 21 points and knocking down five 3-pointers to lead ASU to victory.
The game drew a crowd of 13,705 fans at the neutral site, providing a high-energy atmosphere for both teams. Hurley and Drew both praised the quality of basketball played and the competitive nature of the game. Hurley also acknowledged GCU as a legitimate threat in college basketball, recognizing their potential for a successful season.
This victory marked the third meeting between ASU and GCU since GCU’s transition to Division 1 in 2013, with ASU coming out on top each time. Hurley hinted at potential future matchups between the cross-Valley rivals, acknowledging the competitive nature of their games. Overall, the game showcased the talent and potential of both teams, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
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Photo credit arizonasports.com
