Grand Canyon Advances with Strong Defense Over Utah
In Palm Desert, California, the Grand Canyon Lopes made quite an impression, defeating Utah 68-58 in the first round of the Acrisure Classic. This win sets the Lopes up for a championship showdown against the unbeaten Iowa team, creating excitement for the fans, especially the 500 Havocs supporters in attendance.
Remarkably, GCU won the game without making a single three-pointer—a first since they became a Division I team in 2013. Instead, they focused on controlling the game, emphasizing ball possession much like in football. They had eight fewer turnovers than Utah and snagged two more offensive rebounds, leading for nearly all of the game.
Lopes’ coach Bryce Drew was pleased with the team’s effort. “Our crowd was amazing, and the team fed off that energy,” he said. The Lopes only had six turnovers, a significant improvement from last season’s performances.
Guard Jaden Henley played a crucial role, scoring 18 points and making impressive defensive plays. He kicked off the game with two steals, quickly putting GCU in an 11-3 lead. Drew praised Henley for setting the tone early with his dynamic plays.
The Lopes held Utah’s star guard Terrence Brown to just nine points—well below his average of 25.2, breaking his impressive streak of 37 consecutive double-digit games. GCU’s defensive strategy involved teamwork and anticipation, which paid off in limiting Utah’s scoring.
Interestingly, despite not hitting any three-pointers, the Lopes scored most of their points in the paint or from the free-throw line. They dominated the interior, successfully attacking the rim, which is a testament to their aggressive and smart play.
Against Iowa, they’ll face a new challenge. The Hawkeyes boast a strong player in Bennett Stirtz, who has made a name for himself with an impressive shooting percentage from beyond the arc. Stirtz scored nearly 30 points in their previous game against Ole Miss, showcasing his capability to change the dynamics of the game quickly.
With both teams riding waves of momentum, the players and fans alike are eager to see how this championship will unfold. The Lopes must bring their A-game, especially in defense, to have a shot at victory against a talented Iowa squad. The excitement builds as they prepare for a showdown on national television.
For more information on the teams and their statistics, you can check the official NCAA website.
