Illinois St., Grand Canyon meet in U.S. Virgin Islands
Grand Canyon (2-5) vs. Illinois State (2-3)
U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam , Virgin Islands Sport & Fitness Center, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Monday, 1 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Grand Canyon and Illinois State are set to square off in the U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam. Illinois State lost 83-69 to Western Kentucky in its most recent game, while Grand Canyon came up short in a 70-58 game against Fordham in its last outing.
TEAM LEADERSHIP: Illinois State's Zach Copeland has averaged 13 points while Dedric Boyd has put up 13.8 points. For the Antelopes, Carlos Johnson has averaged 16.3 points and 5.3 rebounds while Jovan Blacksher Jr. has put up 11.6 points, five rebounds and 4.1 assists.JUMPING FOR JOHNSON: Johnson has connected on 33.3 percent of the 45 3-pointers he's attempted and has made 9 of 19 over the last three games. He's also converted 68.2 percent of his free throws this season.
SLIPPING AT 70: Grand Canyon is 0-5 when it allows at least 70 points and 2-0 when it holds opponents to less than 70.
ASSIST DISTRIBUTION: The Redbirds have recently gotten baskets via assists more often than the Antelopes. Illinois State has 40 assists on 82 field goals (48.8 percent) over its past three games while Grand Canyon has assists on 32 of 74 field goals (43.2 percent) during its past three games.
RECENT GAMES: Grand Canyon has scored 65.8 points and allowed 68.8 points over its last five games. Illinois State has averaged 70.6 points while allowing 71.6 over its last five.
