GCU Lopes Prepare for Showdown with Maryland in NCAA Tournament
The Grand Canyon University (GCU) Lopes are gearing up for an exciting match against the Maryland Terrapins in the NCAA Tournament this Friday. Getting ready in their new WAC Tournament championship gear, the team watched the selection show with a mix of anticipation and nerves.
As a No. 13 seed, GCU (26-7) will face No. 4 seed Maryland (25-8) at 1:35 p.m. Friday in Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena. Maryland recently ranked 11th in the AP Top 25 and is 10th in the NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET) rankings.
Head coach Bryce Drew knows the challenge ahead. "Maryland is a strong team, statistically even better than their seed suggests," he said. Their defense ranks among the top 10 in the nation and their offense is in the top 30. With talented players like Derik Queen and Ja’Kobi Gillespie on their roster, Maryland has the potential to score big. Queen, a lottery pick, and Gillespie, a standout point guard, are key assets for the Terrapins.
In their last game during the Big Ten semifinals, Maryland faced a tough loss against Michigan, marking their fourth last-second defeat of the season. However, they remain impressive with an average of 81.7 points per game, ranking 22nd in the country. The Lopes, on the other hand, are feeling confident after winning their last three WAC Tournament games, showcasing their skills and determination.
This will be GCU’s fourth trip to the NCAA tournament under Drew, who has turned the program around since his arrival. Last year’s Lopes team made a historic run by winning their first NCAA Division I tournament game. Four starters from that squad are back, providing valuable experience. "We’re more mature now," said senior guard Collin Moore. "We’re ready to compete with anyone."
Interestingly, GCU has played several times in Seattle since 2019, but this will be their first time at the newly renovated Climate Pledge Arena. Drew even recalls playing there as an NBA star, making this matchup feel special for him.
As excitement builds, the Lopes are focused on their goal: winning. Newcomers like sophomore guard Makaih Williams are experiencing the thrill of March Madness for the first time. "I want to show who I am and how our team is," he shared.
If GCU can upset Maryland, they may face either Memphis or Colorado State in the second round, adding to the stakes of this thrilling matchup.
With the spotlight on them, the Lopes are ready to show what they can do on the national stage. It’s a big moment for the team and their fans. Let’s see how the story unfolds this Friday!
For more coverage and updates on the tournament, visit the NCAA’s official site NCAA.com.
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