Box Score OREM—Le'Tre Darthard scored 16 points and Fardaws Aimaq recorded his nation-leading 20th double-double of the season to lead Utah Valley in a 79-69 setback to Grand Canyon on Thursday night at the UCCU Center.
 
Utah Valley falls to 15-8 overall and 6-5 in WAC play, while Grand Canyon improves to 17-5 overall and 8-3 in league play.
 
Grand Canyon jumped out to a 6-2 lead over the first three minutes of the game, but Utah Valley responded right back with a pair of Darthard threes en route to a 10-0 Wolverine run to give UVU a 12-6 lead with 14:21 left to play in the first half. UVU held a seven-point lead, 15-8, with 11 minutes on the clock, but GCU scored three unanswered buckets as part of an 11-4 run over the next five minutes to tie the game, 19-19, with 5:47 to play in the half. A Connor Harding jumper and a Blaze Nield three to spark a 9-2 UVU run to give the Wolverines a 28-21 lead with 1:47 remaining in the half. Grand Canyon's Holland Woods knocked down a three and hit a pair of free throws as the 'Lopes went on a 7-2 run over the final 1:47 to cut the Wolverines lead to just two points at the half, 30-28.
 
Utah Valley opened the second half on a 6-2 run over the first three minutes to take a 36-30 lead. Aimaq knocked down a jumper to give UVU a six-point, 40-34, lead with 15:29 to play, but GCU countered with a 9-2 run capped by a Woods three-pointer to give the 'Lopes a 43-42 lead with 13:12 remaining. GCU then scored the next six points before a Harding layup as the 'Lopes held a 50-44 advantage with 10:55 to play. Grand Canyon continued its run with the next five points to extend its lead to 55-44 with 10 minutes to go. GCU held on to the 11-point lead, 64-53, with 3:31 to play. The 'Lopes held on the rest of the way to secure the 79-69 win.
 
Darthard scored his team-high 16 points on 4 of 13 shooting, including a pair of threes. He was a perfect 6-for-6 at the free throw line. Darthard also had two rebounds, two blocks, and two steals.
 
Aimaq tallied his 20th double-double of the season with 15 points and 12 rebounds. The sophomore center connected on 6 of 17 shots, including a three. He also pulled down 12 boards to go along with one assist and a block.
 
Justin Harmon and Nield were also in double figures with 11 and 10 points, respectively. Harding helped with eight.
 
Jovan Blacksher Jr. and Holland Woods led Grand Canyon with 23 points apiece.
 
As a team, Utah Valley shot 39.7 percent (25-63) from the field, including a 37.5 percent (6-16) mark from long range. Grand Canyon shot 45.9 percent (28-61) from the floor with a 33.3 percent (5-15) mark from beyond the arc. UVU was outrebounded 41-36.
 
Utah Valley will continue play at home on Saturday afternoon against New Mexico State. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+ and on ESPN 960 AM radio.