Grand Canyon Edges San Diego State in Thrilling Finish
Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 11:00 PM ET · Global Credit Union Arena
Grand Canyon Lopes 70, San Diego State Aztecs 69, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won San Diego State Aztecs vs Grand Canyon Lopes?
Grand Canyon Lopes beat San Diego State Aztecs 70-69 at Global Credit Union Arena on January 21, 2026.
Who was favored in San Diego State Aztecs vs Grand Canyon Lopes?
San Diego State Aztecs were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -122 (about 55% implied). The underdog won.
In a nail-biting encounter at the Global Credit Union Arena, the Grand Canyon Lopes narrowly defeated the San Diego State Aztecs with a final score of 70-69. This matchup was particularly intriguing as both teams entered the game with strong records, the Lopes at 12-6 and the Aztecs at 13-5, setting the stage for a competitive showdown.
The Lopes have been in solid form recently, boasting a record of 7-3 over their last ten games, including a one-game winning streak. They have averaged 75.9 points scored while allowing 68.5 points per game during this stretch. Their most recent victory was against the Utah State Aggies, where they won 84-74 on January 17. In contrast, the Aztecs have been on a remarkable run, winning nine out of their last ten games, including a seven-game winning streak leading into this matchup. They averaged 82.8 points scored and allowed 68.7 points over their last ten games, highlighting their offensive prowess. Their latest win came against the New Mexico Lobos, where they triumphed 83-79 on January 18.
When looking at home and away performances, the Lopes have a home record of 5-2, while the Aztecs have been strong on the road with a 3-1 record. This game was crucial for both teams as they aimed to solidify their standings in the league. Previous meetings between the two teams have not been detailed in the facts provided, but given their competitive records, it is evident that each matchup carries significance.
In terms of injuries, no specific players were mentioned in the block, which suggests that both teams were likely at full strength for this critical encounter. The market had priced the Aztecs as slight favorites, with DraftKings offering odds of SDSU -1.5, indicating a close contest anticipated by bettors. The total for the game was set at 145.5, reflecting expectations for a moderately high-scoring affair.
The conditions during the game were not specified in the block, but the atmosphere at the Global Credit Union Arena was likely electric, given the stakes involved. As the game unfolded, it became a tense battle, with several key scoring plays in the second half that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Notably, Tae Simmons made crucial baskets for the Aztecs, including a tip-in dunk and a floating jump shot, but it was the Lopes’ Makaih Williams who ultimately sealed the victory with two critical free throws in the closing moments of the game.
The final minutes showcased a back-and-forth contest, with the lead changing hands multiple times. The Lopes managed to hold on to their slim lead, finishing the game with a one-point advantage. This victory not only boosts Grand Canyon's confidence but also emphasizes their ability to perform under pressure, a vital trait as the season progresses. The Aztecs, despite the loss, demonstrated their resilience and fighting spirit, suggesting that they remain a formidable opponent moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SDSU -1.5 | 145.5 o -108 / u -112 | San Diego State Aztecs -122 · Grand Canyon Lopes +102 |
Leaders
- PointsJaden Henley17Grand Canyon Lopes
- AssistsBrian Moore Jr.3Grand Canyon Lopes
- ReboundsJaden Henley7Grand Canyon Lopes
- PointsElzie Harrington16San Diego State Aztecs
- AssistsMiles Byrd3San Diego State Aztecs
- ReboundsTae Simmons9San Diego State Aztecs
Recent form
Grand Canyon Lopes
Last 10: 7-3Streak W175.9 scored · 68.5 allowed per game5-2 at home
- W84-74vs Utah State AggiesJan 17
- L64-87at New Mexico LobosJan 14
- W76-58vs San José State SpartansJan 11
- W75-58at Boise State BroncosJan 8
- L60-70vs Colorado State RamsJan 4
- W91-78vs IU Indianapolis JaguarsDec 23
- W82-70at Wyoming CowboysDec 20
- W82-61vs Coastal Carolina ChanticleersDec 14
- L78-84vs Oklahoma State CowboysDec 7
- W67-45vs Stetson HattersDec 3
San Diego State Aztecs
Last 10: 9-1Streak W782.8 scored · 68.7 allowed per game3-1 away
- W83-79vs New Mexico LobosJan 18
- W74-57at Wyoming CowboysJan 15
- W71-52vs Fresno State BulldogsJan 11
- W73-68at Nevada Wolf PackJan 7
- W110-107vs Boise State BroncosJan 4
- W81-68at San José State SpartansDec 31
- W121-59vs Whittier PoetsDec 22
- L45-68at Arizona WildcatsDec 21
- W81-58vs Air Force FalconsDec 18
- W89-71vs Lamar CardinalsDec 11
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah State | 29-7 | - | 15-5 |
| San Diego State | 22-11 | 1 | 14-6 |
| New Mexico | 26-11 | 2 | 13-7 |
| Grand Canyon | 20-12 | 2 | 13-7 |
| Nevada | 24-13 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Boise State | 20-12 | 3 | 12-8 |
| Colorado State | 21-13 | 4 | 11-9 |
| UNLV | 18-17 | 4 | 11-9 |
| Wyoming | 18-15 | 6 | 9-11 |
| Fresno State | 13-19 | 8 | 7-13 |
| San José State | 9-24 | 12 | 3-17 |
| Air Force | 3-29 | 15 | 0-20 |
Box score
| Stat | San Diego State Aztecs | Grand Canyon Lopes |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-62 | 19-50 |
| Field goal % | 40 | 38 |
| Three-pointers | 3-18 | 10-21 |
| Three-point % | 17 | 48 |
| Free throws | 16-19 | 22-28 |
| Free throw % | 84 | 79 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 27 |
| Assists | 10 | 12 |
| Steals | 11 | 7 |
| Blocks | 6 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 17 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 20 | 7 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 16 |
| Fouls | 20 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 12 |
| Lead changes | 12 | 12 |
| Time in front | 24 | 64 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half47-55Makaih Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-56Makaih Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-58Brian Moore Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half47-58Brian Moore Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half49-58BJ Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-58BJ Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-58BJ Davis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-61Brian Moore Jr. makes 86-foot three point jumper (Makaih Williams assists)
- 2nd Half49-61Brian Moore Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Makaih Williams assists)
- 2nd Half52-61Elzie Harrington makes 88-foot three point jumper (Pharaoh Compton assists)
- 2nd Half52-61Elzie Harrington makes 23-foot three point jumper (Pharaoh Compton assists)
- 2nd Half52-62Jaden Henley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-63Jaden Henley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-62Jaden Henley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-63Jaden Henley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-63Pharaoh Compton makes 83-foot dunk (BJ Davis assists)
- 2nd Half54-63Pharaoh Compton makes 2-foot dunk (BJ Davis assists)
- 2nd Half56-63Miles Byrd makes 14-foot jumper (Elzie Harrington assists)
- 2nd Half58-63BJ Davis makes layup
- 2nd Half58-63BJ Davis makes layup
- 2nd Half58-65Jaden Henley makes 70-foot jumper
- 2nd Half58-65Jaden Henley makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half61-65BJ Davis makes 69-foot three point jumper (Miles Byrd assists)
- 2nd Half61-65BJ Davis makes 23-foot three point jumper (Miles Byrd assists)
- 2nd Half63-65BJ Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-65BJ Davis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-65BJ Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-65BJ Davis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-67Jaden Henley makes 0-foot dunk (Nana Owusu-Anane assists)
- 2nd Half63-68Makaih Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-68Makaih Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-68Tae Simmons makes 83-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half65-68Tae Simmons makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half67-68Taj DeGourville makes 13-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half69-68Tae Simmons makes 82-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half69-68Tae Simmons makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half69-69Makaih Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-70Makaih Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-69Makaih Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-70Makaih Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Grand Canyon Lopes, below favours San Diego State Aztecs.
Venue
- Global Credit Union ArenaPhoenix, AZ
- Attendance7179
- OfficialsKeith Kimble, Brian Dorsey, Jeffrey Anderson
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