Makaih Williams scores career-high 31 points off bench in GCU win over Bryant
Dec 31, 2024, 9:51 AM | Updated: 9:52 am
PHOENIX (AP) — Makaih Williams scored a career-high 31 points on 9-for-16 shooting to propel GCU past Bryant 112-66 on Monday night.
His 25 points in the first half were the most for a Grand Canyon player since 2019, and the 31 points is the most by a ‘Lope this season. The career night also came without a turnover and after an 0-for-8 performance in the win over San Diego.
“I haven’t been playing my best recently, but … I just went out there and played, my teammates trusted me and I just kept going,” Williams said postgame. “After I seen that (first 3) go in, I knew it was gonna be a good game.”
After it was 13-11 ‘Lopes through about 7:15, GCU broke off a 31-2 run and finished the half up 61-23. The ‘Lopes cruised the rest of the way, winning the second half 51-43.
Williams added six rebounds and five steals for the Antelopes (10-4). Lok Wur scored 14 points while shooting 5 for 11, including 3 for 5 from beyond the arc and added eight rebounds. Rayshon Harrison had 13 points.
Earl Timberlake led the way for the Bulldogs (6-9) with 16 points and three blocks. Barry Evans added 14 points and 10 rebounds. Jakai Robinson had 10 points.
“We’re still figuring out who we are. I thought we had stretches out there that we just looked fantastic and then there’s some other stretches that, you know, the ball doesn’t look as smooth moving out there. It’s definitely a work in progress,” coach Bryce Drew said postgame of where the ‘Lopes stand after the 10-4 nonconference schedule.
GCU starts WAC play on Saturday against preseason last-place Southern Utah at 6 p.m. on FOX 10 Xtra and ESPN+.
