Williams and Moore Lead Grand Canyon to Shocking Upset Over No. 23 Utah State in Thrilling 84-74 Victory

Saturday night in Phoenix brought a surprising twist when Grand Canyon’s Makaih Williams exploded for 16 second-half points, helping the Antelopes dethrone No. 23 Utah State with an 84-74 win. Brian Moore Jr.’s steady 20-point contribution and relentless defense from Dennis Evans stunned the Aggies, ending their impressive eight-game winning streak and shaking the loyal Havocs student section to its core. It wasn’t just another win; it was a statement — Grand Canyon shooting at 51% and controlling the game tempo against a top-tier opponent. Mason Falslev led Utah State’s charge, but the aggressive pressure and timely shots from the Antelopes proved too much to handle. This game slapped the Mountain West landscape right across the face — a reminder that rankings only mean so much when the buzz and grit take over the hardwood. For what’s next in this rollercoaster season, Utah State heads home to face UNLV while Grand Canyon gears up for a showdown with San Diego State. Intrigued? Dive into all the fiery details and the aftermath of this electric college basketball clash right here. LEARN MORE

PHOENIX (AP) — Makaih Williams scored 16 of his 20 points in the second half, Brian Moore Jr. added 20 points and Grand Canyon knocked off No. 23 Utah State 84-74 on Saturday.

The Antelopes (11-6, 4-2 Mountain West Conference) shot 51% from the floor and turned back Utah State’s late charge to set off a court storming with their third win in five all-time games against AP Top 25 opponents.

Grand Canyon’s Nana Owusu-Anane finished with 11 points and 11 rebounds, and 7-foot-2 center Dennis Evans blocked six shots while altering several others.

The Aggies (15-2, 6-2) got off to a shaky start and trailed for most of the game to see their eight-game winning streak end. Mason Falslev had 25 points to lead Utah State, which shot 36% from the floor and 7 of 28 from 3.

Utah State made its season debut in the AP Top 25 this week, then locked down Nevada for a in a 71-62 home win on Wednesday.

The Aggies had a much harder time against the Antelopes and their rowdy Havocs student section.

Grand Canyon sped Utah State up with defensive pressure, forcing a string of early turnovers while building a nine-point lead as the fans shook the stands inside GCU’s arena.

Falslev brought the Aggies back, scoring 12 straight points to tie the game at 23-all, but went cold to trail by six at halftime.

Utah State turned up its defensive pressure to claw back, pulling within one on Kolby King’s long 3-pointer, but missed six of their next seven shots as Grand Canyon stretched the lead to 10.

Up next

Utah State: Hosts UNLV on Tuesday.

Grand Canyon: Hosts San Diego State on Wednesday.

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