Boost Your Team Spirit: Grand Canyon University Takes on Utah in Palm Desert Showdown!

PALM DESERT, Calif. – The Grand Canyon University Lopes are ready to make a statement at the Acrisure Classic. This tournament is a big opportunity for them, especially as they kick off against the University of Utah on Tuesday night. The Lopes hope to show how far they’ve come since joining Division I.

This season hasn’t started as they expected, with a 3-2 record so far, but they’re determined to improve. Senior guard Jaden Henley knows the team must focus. “After our loss to Saint Louis, we hit the drawing board. We’re stepping into the gym with a clean slate,” he said.

Utah is a strong opponent, featuring junior Terrence Brown, who averages 25.2 points per game, placing him among the top scorers in the nation. The team, under new head coach Alex Jensen, is averaging an impressive 86.3 points per game. Jensen, a former player on Utah’s 1998 national runner-up team, brings substantial experience from his previous coaching roles in the NBA and G League.

GCU’s head coach, Bryce Drew, acknowledges the challenge ahead. “Utah has great size and talent, but we need to focus on executing our game plan,” he said. This focus on preparation is crucial, especially after their recent performance against Northwestern State, where they found some rhythm but still have room for growth.

The Lopes and Utes have played against Purdue Fort Wayne this season, with both teams securing wins. GCU’s victory was a significant 90-71, showing their potential when firing on all cylinders. Despite their ups and downs, the team is building a solid roster, with one of the highest levels of experience in the nation, as highlighted by KenPom.com.

Henley expressed the team’s unity, saying, “We trust each other completely. It doesn’t matter who starts; we’re all in this together to win.”

Lope Tracks:

• Nana Owusu-Anane is excelling, ranking 12th nationally in rebounds with an average of 11.0.
• The Lopes are 20th in the nation for free throw shooting at 79.5%.
• Utah averages 4.7 blocks per game, showing their defensive prowess but also committed 16 turnovers in a previous loss.

The Acrisure Classic is a four-day event, and if GCU wins, they will continue to play on Wednesday night. The Lopes will have the chance to showcase their skills on national television, as CBS Sports Network will air their games.

With a blend of talent, experience, and determination, the Lopes are poised to rise to the occasion and prove themselves on a bigger stage.

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