Grand Canyon holds off Bakersfield, 73-65

PHOENIX (AP) DeWayne Russell scored 24 points and Daniel Alexander added 19 more as Grand Canyon held off Cal State Bakersfield, 73-65, in the Western Athletic Conference opener for both teams Saturday night.

The Antelopes (10-8, 1-0 WAC) built a 35-32 lead in the first half and never trailed in the second. Javonte Maynor drilled a 3-pointer with :24 left to cut the lead to six, 69-63, but the Roadrunners got no closer.

Grand Canyon State shot 52.2 percent from the field (24 of 46) and knocked down 9 of 23 from distance. The Antelopes outrebounded Bakersfield 34-27.

Royce Woolridge had 13 points for Grand Canyon State and Alexander pulled down nine rebounds.

Kevin Mays had 16 points for Bakersfield (4-12, 0-1) and Maynor added 13.

Grand Canyon leads the series with Bakersfield, winning 20 of 32 meetings and has won all three meetings between the teams as members of the WAC.