Preview: Colorado St at Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon Antelopes Take on Colorado State Rams in High-Stakes Showdown
The stage is set for a thrilling matchup between two mid-major powerhouses as the Grand Canyon Antelopes (13-8, 7-2 WCC) face off against the Colorado State Rams (12-9, 6-3 MW). The stakes are high, with both teams vying for a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
The Grand Canyon Antelopes have been on a tear of late, riding a four-game winning streak that saw them dispatch Indiana University-Purdue Fort Wayne, Wyoming, Coastal Carolina, and Oklahoma State. Jaden Henley has been the catalyst behind this surge, scoring 17.3 points per game while also dishing out 4.5 assists per contest.
Meanwhile, the Colorado State Rams have also been on a roll, winning four straight games to climb back into contention for the Mountain West Conference Tournament title. Josh Pascarelli leads the way for CSU, averaging 15.4 points and 6.2 rebounds per game.
But one key factor stands out as a potential X-factor in this matchup: three-point shooting efficiency. Both teams have excelled from beyond the arc this season, with Grand Canyon boasting the nation's highest three-point percentage (43.8%) and Colorado State ranking 14th nationally at 37.5%.
As the two teams prepare to take on each other, fans can expect a highly anticipated matchup that will be decided by a multitude of factors, including rebounding, defensive intensity, and, of course, three-point shooting.
Will Jaden Henley's hot streak continue as he takes on Josh Pascarelli in a battle of mid-range specialists? Can the Grand Canyon defense contain Colorado State's potent offense, or will the Rams' high-powered attack prove too much to handle?
One thing is certain: this matchup has all the makings of a classic conference showdown. With both teams boasting strong résumés and a wealth of talent, fans can expect an intense, back-and-forth contest that will keep them on the edge of their seats.
Stay tuned for more analysis and insights as we count down to tip-off...