GCU coach Bryce Drew out for Thursday's game at Stephen F. Austin due to health and safety protocols

Grand Canyon will play at Stephen F. Austin tonight at 5:30 without head coach Bryce Drew due to health and safety protocols, the school said in a release.

GCU will be led by assistant coaches Jamall Walker, Ed Schilling and Casey Shaw with Ryne Lightfoot, the director of player development, serving as an assistant.

The Antelopes play at Sam Houston State on Saturday. There is a chance Drew could also miss that game.

"Although I am extremely disappointed I am not allowed to coach tonight, I am grateful to have three coaches who all have had head coaching experience so it will be a collaborative coaching effort," Drew said in a statement released by GCU. "Being Coach Jamall Walker's scout for this game, he will take the lead in timeouts."

GCU (14-2) is in the midst of a six-game winning streak and is tied with New Mexico State for first place in the Western Athletic Conference at 5-0.

This is the first time Drew has missed a game since leading the Antelopes last year, getting them to the NCAA Tournament in his first year as head coach.

The game is being played in Nacogdoches, Texas, and will be aired on on ESPN+ and 1580 the Fanatic (99.3 FM and 95.9 FM).

To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.com or 602-316-8827. Follow him on Twitter @azc_obert.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: GCU coach Bryce Drew out for Thursday's game at Stephen F. Austin