LAS VEGAS-Friday, Utah Valley men’s basketball (24-8, 12-4 in WAC play) meets Grand Canyon (19-12, 10-6 in conference play) in the WAC semifinals at the Orleans Arena of Las Vegas for a 9:30 pm tip-off.
After besting UMKC 71-64 in the conference quarterfinals Thursday, the Wolverines set a school record with their 24th win of the season.
The Wolverines still remain one of the best shooting teams in the country, as they are 16th nationally in field goal percentage (48.5 percent) and 12th in 3-point field goal percentage (39.1 percent).
While star junior guard Jake Toolson struggled against the Kangaroos, senior guard Conner Toolson (21 points) and sophomore center Richard Harward (15 points, 8 rebounds, 6-7 shooting) stepped up in his stead.
Grand Canyon got to this point by downing Seattle U. 84-75 in the WAC quarterfinals Thursday.
Junior guard Carlos Johnson (31 points, 7 rebounds, 10-20 shooting) led the Antelopes as did redshirt senior forward Michael Finke (21 points, 6 rebounds, 7-11 shooting).
The Antelopes lead the all-time series against the Wolverines 9-5, but Utah Valley bested Grand Canyon 82-70 in their last meeting March 7.
The winner earns a berth in the WAC championship game Saturday at 8:00 pm MDT.
