Grand Canyon survives Albany comeback bid in 82-77 win

Nov 19, 2017, 10:48 pm

UNCASVILLE, Conn. -- DeWayne Russell scored 28 points and added eight assists and Grand Canyon hung on to beat Albany 82-77 on Saturday night.

The game was the opening round of the Hall of Fame Tip Off Tournament at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Russell finished 10 of 17 from the field. Joshua Braun and Oscar Frayer each added 12 points for Grand Canyon (1-2), with Braun also pulling down seven rebounds.

Grand Canyon put together a 13-4 run to build an eight-point lead which they pushed to 44-33 at the break. Back-to-back layups by Russell and Shaq Carr gave the Antelopes their largest lead at 70-55 with 7:42 left.

But Albany battled back late, cutting its deficit to 76-74 with 1:33 to go after a Joe Cremo free throw. However a Braun 3 two possessions later iced it.

Cremo led Albany with 24 points. David Nichols added 23 for the Great Danes (2-2).