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PHOENIX – Three weeks ago, Utah Valley upset the reigning WAC Champions, Grand Canyon, 72-64 which continued its winning streak. On Saturday night, Grand Canyon had revenge in mind.
The Lopes returned to Arizona to crush Utah Valley 75-57 to end Utah Valley's 10 game winning streak, seven game conference winning streak, to tie for first place in the WAC standings.
The Wolverines seven game winning streak is the best start to the conference slate in program history, but still remain tied for first despite the loss.
Utah Valley now has, arguably, the four most difficult games off the schedule in Cal Baptist and Grand Canyon, going 3-1 in those four games.
Dominick Nelson continued to lead the Wolverines in scoring with 16 points while Osiris Grady was the only other Wolverine in double-figures with 12.
Despite a slow start offensively with six points in the first six minutes of the game, Utah Valley managed to trail 17-15 midway through the half.
The Wolverines struggled to convert on open looks at the rim, converting just four of 10 layup attempts.
While Utah Valley made a comeback, the Lopes continued to pour it on Utah Valley, going on a 9-0 run to take a 26-15 lead with five minutes left in the half.
At this point, Utah Valley was 6-of-25 from the field while Grand Canyon was 11-of-25.
Lopes star Tyon Grant-Foster pulled up for a 3-pointer in transition and netted it to give Grand Canyon a 31-17 lead and sending the Lopes crowd into a frenzy.
Utah Valley was able to get more points up before the half, but continued to struggle to stop the Lopes as Grand Canyon commanded a 37-24 lead.
The Wolverines failed to get anything going in the second half, with Grand Canyon maintaining at one point a 19-point lead with under 10 minutes to go.
Th turnover numbers were reasonable with just eight, but couldn't match Grand Canyon's 50% shooting from the field while shooting 34% themselves. Utah Valley was seemingly unable to stop Grand Canyon from scoring in the paint, allowing 40 points inside the paint with still seven minutes to go.
Utah Valley will look to get its winning streak back as they take on UT Arlington and Tarleton State next week in Orem.
