PHOENIX (Interstat) — In a game defined by grit over grace, the Grand Canyon Antelopes edged the San Diego State Aztecs 70-69 on Wednesday night in a non-conference clash that came down to the final second at a raucous Grand Canyon University Arena.

A crowd of 7,179 watched as the Antelopes, despite being outshot and outworked for significant stretches, made critical free throws down the stretch to secure a narrow victory. The game was a defensive struggle marked by physical play, with both teams combining for 26 turnovers and 47 free throw attempts.

San Diego State, which entered with a 55% win probability according to Interstat’s ELO system, controlled the interior, outrebounding Grand Canyon 44-35 and scoring 40 points in the paint to the Antelopes’ 24. The Aztecs’ defensive pressure also forced 16 Grand Canyon turnovers, converting them into 19 points. Yet, the Antelopes found their advantage from beyond the arc and at the foul line, hitting 10 of 21 three-point attempts and 22 of 28 free throws, ultimately providing the margin of victory.

The contest was tight throughout, featuring 10 ties and 12 lead changes. San Diego State took a narrow 37-35 lead into halftime behind an efficient first half from guard Darrell Harrington, who finished with 16 points. The Aztecs extended their lead to six points early in the second half, but Grand Canyon responded with a 13-2 run, fueled by three-pointers from Nana Owusu-Anane and Jaden Henley, to seize a 52-46 advantage.

The Antelopes maintained a small lead for much of the final 12 minutes, but could never pull away as San Diego State relentlessly attacked the basket. The Aztecs tied the game at 68 on a tip-in by forward Tae Simmons with 58 seconds remaining. On the ensuing possession, Grand Canyon’s Makaih Williams was fouled and made the first of two free throws to put the Antelopes back ahead 69-68 with 53 seconds left.

San Diego State had a chance to take the lead, but a traveling violation by Miles Byrd with 30 seconds left gave the ball back to Grand Canyon. The Aztecs were forced to foul Williams again with just one second on the clock. Williams calmly sank the first free throw to extend the lead to 70-68, and intentionally missed the second. San Diego State secured the rebound but had no time to attempt a final shot.

The most pivotal sequence occurred in the final minute. With the score tied 68-68 and under a minute to play, Grand Canyon worked the clock. Brian Moore’s drive was disrupted, leading to a loose ball and a held ball situation, with the possession arrow favoring the Antelopes. On the inbounds play, Williams drove aggressively and drew a foul on Elzie Harrington while attempting a runner. The foul sent Williams to the line for two shots with 53 seconds left. He made the first to break the tie, a pressure-filled shot that gave Grand Canyon a lead it would not relinquish. His missed second shot led to a scramble and, ultimately, the critical turnover by San Diego State that sealed the outcome.

Henley led Grand Canyon with 17 points and seven rebounds, while Williams also scored 17, including the decisive free throws. Owusu-Anane added nine points, seven rebounds and three assists. For San Diego State, Harrington’s 16 points led the way, supported by BJ Davis with 11 and Simmons, who contributed eight points and nine rebounds off the bench. Miles Byrd anchored the defense with eight rebounds, three assists and three blocks.

The loss drops San Diego State to 13-5 on the season, while Grand Canyon improves to 12-6. The two teams are scheduled to meet again in a return game in San Diego on Feb. 17.

The game’s total of 139 points fell under the pregame over/under line of 143.5, consistent with the defensive tone of the evening. Grand Canyon covered the pregame spread, having been installed as a 1.5-point favorite.