GCU’s Thrilling Comeback in Mountain West Championship
LAS VEGAS – Grand Canyon University (GCU) pulled off an impressive comeback against Utah State, winning 75-58 in the Mountain West Championship First Round. After trailing at halftime, GCU ramped up its offense in the second half, outscoring the Aggies 44-26.
The Lopes found their rhythm, with six players scoring in double figures. Julianna LaMendola led the way with 15 points and 13 rebounds, a strong turnaround after a quiet first half. “We had a rocky start,” said head coach Winston Gandy, “but once we were down by 13, we really shifted the momentum.”
One standout was Norah Moo, a freshman who also recorded a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. This marked a historic moment as she and LaMendola became the first Lopes teammates to achieve double-doubles in the same game since December 2024. Moo shared, “I just played my game. I’m happy to help my team win.”
The game started tight, with both teams exchanging shots. Utah State went on a 12-6 run, but GCU ended the half strong with an 11-0 run, narrowing the gap to just two points.
In the third quarter, LaMendola found her groove, scoring 13 points and helping GCU take the lead for the first time. They ended the quarter up 54-49 and continued to dominate. The Lopes shot 70% from the floor in the second half, with Moo grabbing vital offensive rebounds.
The team’s resilience was evident, especially in the fourth quarter, where senior Karley Johnson added seven points, contributing to a final quarter of 21-9. LaMendola emphasized the importance of teamwork, saying, “There are many ways to impact the game beyond just scoring.”
With this victory, GCU now faces No. 3 seed Colorado State next. The Lopes have shown they can overcome adversity, and this game only solidifies their growing reputation in the tournament.
According to the NCAA, teams that adapt quickly in high-pressure games tend to perform better. GCU’s ability to adjust and focus on teamwork could be key as they move forward in the championship. Moreover, historically, teams that come back from a halftime deficit often have a 55% chance of winning, a statistic that adds excitement to their upcoming match.
For coverage of their next game, tune into the Mountain West Network.
