Abilene Christian Wildcats vs Grand Canyon Antelopes Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Abilene Christian vs Grand Canyon NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Phoenix.

Abilene Christian vs Grand Canyon Prediction

Planning on watching today's Wildcats and Antelopes game? Catch the action at GCU Arena in Phoenix, AZ, as the Antelopes hosts this showdown at 9:00 ET on ESPN+. The over/under for this game is set at 144.5 points, and Grand Canyon is favored by -13.5 vs. Abilene Christian in a Western Athletic conference matchup.

Abilene Christian vs. Grand Canyon Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Abilene Christian Wildcats at Grand Canyon Antelopes
Where: Phoenix at GCU Arena
Date: Thursday, January 16th
Betting Odds GCAN -13.5, ABCHR +650 | GCAN -1000 O/U 144.5

Wildcats Preview: Does Abilene Christian Stand a Chance on the Road?

The Wildcats dropped to 5-9 on the season after a narrow 66-64 loss to Seattle on Saturday. Abilene Christian, who entered the game as +9 underdogs, kept things closer than expected, covering the spread. The total points for the game came in at 130, under the O/U line of 137.5.

Abilene Christian led 40-38 at halftime but managed just 24 points in the 2nd half while allowing 28. Their inability to maintain offensive momentum after the break was a key factor in the loss.

Wildcats Offense Breakdown

Abilene Christian put up 64 points in their last game, shooting 48.3% from the field and 51.7% in effective field goal percentage. They hit 53.5% of their two-point shots, but struggled from beyond the arc, connecting on just 33.3% of their threes (5/15). Their free-throw shooting was also a concern, as they made only 3 of 7 attempts (42.9%).

Matthew-Alexander Moncrieffe led the way with 23 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 70% from the field. Bradyn Hubbard was perfect from three, hitting all 3 of his attempts, finishing with 13 points. Paris Dawson contributed 12 points and 8 assists, while John Christofilis added 12 points despite shooting just 28.6% overall and 22.2% from three.

Wildcats Team Defense

Abilene Christian's defense gave up 66 points, with the opposing team shooting 42% from the field on 21/50 shooting. They allowed 17 two-point field goals on 30 attempts, a 56% shooting rate.

From beyond the arc, Abilene Christian held their opponent to 4/20 shooting, just 20% from three-point range. They also sent the other team to the free-throw line 29 times, where they made 20, shooting 69%. Abilene Christian allowed 12 offensive rebounds.

Antelopes Preview: Can Grand Canyon Secure a Home Victory?

Grand Canyon Antelopes Recent Game/Games

Grand Canyon fell to 10-5 on the season after a 72-64 road loss to Utah Valley on Thursday. The Antelopes, who were -3.5 favorites going into the game, didn’t cover the spread.

After trailing 35-25 at halftime, Grand Canyon outscored Utah Valley 39-37 in the 2nd half, but it wasn’t enough. The total points for the game were 136, falling short of the 144.5 O/U line.

Antelopes Offense Breakdown

In their latest game, Grand Canyon put up 64 points, shooting 43.6% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 47.3%. They connected on 50% of their two-point attempts, but struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 5 of 17 threes for a 29.4% mark. At the free-throw line, they shot 61.1%, making 11 of 18 attempts.

Tyon Grant-Foster led the way with 22 points and 8 rebounds, shooting 53.3% overall. Dominick Nelson added 21 points and 8 boards, hitting 50% of his threes. Tanner Toolson contributed 17 points and 7 rebounds, also connecting on 40% from deep. The Antelopes grabbed 9 offensive rebounds and dished out 13 assists in the game.

Antelopes Team Defense

Despite giving up 72 points, Grand Canyon's defense held their opponent to just 36% shooting from the field. They limited two-point opportunities, with the other team hitting only 17 of 44 shots for 38%.

From beyond the arc, Grand Canyon allowed 6 threes on 19 attempts, a 31% shooting rate. They also sent the opposing team to the line 27 times, where they converted 20 free throws for 74%. Grand Canyon gave up 17 offensive rebounds.

Wildcats vs Antelopes Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

Although Abilene Christian has a straight up record of 0-3 in their last three road games, they have not held up as well vs the spread going 1-2. The team averaged 57 points per game in these games.
In their last ten games at home, the Antelopes have a straight up record of 4-6 while going 4-6 vs. the spread. The team averaged 69 points per game in this stretch.
Looking back on the team's last five games as the underdog, the Wildcats have a straight up record of 1-4. Their record vs the spread in these games was 2-3.
Across their last five matchups as the betting favorite, the Antelopes have an overall record of 4-1 while going 1-4 against the spread.