Knowles Lifts Cal State L.A. Over Chapman

Derek Knowles scored a game-high 26 points as Cal State Los Angeles defeated Chapman, 67-62, in the first round of the Grand Canyon College men’s basketball tournament Friday.

Knowles, a junior guard who played at Long Beach College last season, was 11 of 18 from the field and had a team-high seven rebounds. Chris Brooks added 13 points and Etienne Graves had 12 points for Cal State Los Angeles (5-5). Graves made four three-pointers.

Rog Middleton scored 21 for Chapman (5-5), which trailed at the half, 34-26. Alan Schlines added 15 and Jeff Gardner 11 for Chapman.

Cal State Los Angeles shot 55% (24 of 44) from the field. Chapman shot 44% (24-54).