Luka Garza and Iowa Basketball looks to avoid upset against Grand Canyon

2. In the battle against GCU’s frontcourt, Garza plays as big of a role as anyone

The Antelopes’ historic season can largely be traced to their stellar defense, more-so than the offense.  While Grand Canyon’s offense ranks 141st in efficiency, its defense ranks 75th in defensive efficiency – and is among the best in clamping teams down when it comes to shooting percentages.

For the season, the Antelopes rank 13th in 2P% defense, holding teams to just 44.1% – with marks of 14.5 two-pointers made (15th) and 33.0 two-pointers attempted (52nd).  Those numbers are slightly worse on long-range shots, where teams attempt 23.8 three-pointers (284th) against Grand Canyon – but the Antelopes’ stifling defense only allows 6.9 made three-pointers, which ranks 122nd, and translates to a 28.8% clip – the 12th-best mark in the country.

On the other end, it is no mystery just how good Iowa is offensively. They rank second in the nation in offensive efficiency, just behind Gonzaga – and the Hawkeyes maintain shooting percentages that rank in the top 100, sitting 89th in 2P% (52.4%) and 14th in 3P% (38.6%).  Obviously, the Hawkeyes are well-renowned for their three-point shooting, with Luka Garza, Joe Wieskamp, Jordan Bohannon, and CJ Frederick all stellar shooters from long-range.

But, again, the Antelopes are among the nation’s best in defending both inside and outside the arc – meaning Iowa must find offense in any possible way.  No one is more critical to that than Garza, who is responsible for 31.4% of Iowa’s offense – the fifth-highest mark among all Div. I players – and takes 32.8% of Iowa’s shots.

A 58.0% shooter from inside the perimeter and 40.7% from outside, Garza must come through for the Hawkeyes – particularly to combat Grand Canyon’s duo of centers.  That includes having a solid shooting night – against Illinois, Garza did have a team-high 21 points but shot just 8-21 from the floor compared to Kofi Cockburn’s 11-17 clip.  That cannot happen again against Grand Canyon – or this could very much be Garza’s final game as a Hawkeye.