Game 13 • at Grand Canyon • Phoenix, Ariz., 7 p.m. • Live Stream • Live Stats

PHOENIX, Ariz. — A budding rivalry that began two years ago continues Wednesday when Sam Houston rolls into the Global Credit Union Arena to face Grand Canyon.

The Antelopes (9-1) hold a 4-1 advantage in the all-time series that dates back to the 2021-22 season when the Bearkats (6-6) played the first of their two seasons in the WAC. Sam Houston won the first meeting 58-56 at Johnson Coliseum on Jan. 22, 2022.

The two programs have played other instant classics that came down to the wire as well. The Lopes defeated the Kats 72-68 in overtime in the only regular season meeting between the teams last season, and GCU knocked Sam Houston out of the WAC Tournament semifinals at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas 71-66 in 2021-22 and 78-75 in 2022-23.

The Lopes have a top 25 win to their credit this season, having taken down then No. 25 San Diego 79-73 at home on Dec. 5. 

The Bearkats enter Wednesday's contest following a 73-60 loss to Texas State on Dec. 15 at home. Sam Houston led by 10 points at the half thanks to a 3-pointer by Lamar Wilkerson right before the end of the opening period as all the momentum seemed to be in the Kats' favor. The Bobcats took advantage of a sluggish start by SHSU to open the final 20 minutes to seize control of the game.

Texas State opened the second period with a 7-0 run to pull within 33-30 two and a half minutes into the half. Sam Houston answered on a basket by Cameron Huefner, but the Bobcats finally came back to take the lead for good at 41-39.

The Kats just couldn't get stops when they needed and shot just 38 percent from the field as compared to 53 percent by the Bobcats.