The basketball season is unfolding, and Grand Canyon University (GCU) is creating a buzz as it competes in the Mountain West Conference. As the Lopes gear up for their second half of the season, they’re more than just an enigma.
GCU’s journey has been a rollercoaster. They started the year with a tough home loss to Colorado State, but since then, they’ve rebounded with a solid 6-2 record in conference play. They now sit in a close race for the Mountain West regular-season championship, with five teams separated by just one loss.
Head coach Bryce Drew shared insights on the team’s progress. “We’ve learned a lot about the league and the intensity it takes to succeed,” he said. “Every game is a challenge, and we’re just getting started.”
Hitting Their Stride
In October, many predicted GCU would finish fourth in the conference. However, they’re currently in fifth place and performing well against tough competition. They’ve recently scored impressive wins, including a pair of significant victories over Boise State and a crucial win against then-ranked Utah State.
Assistant coach and former player, Jerrod Calhoun, commented, “They disrupt your game. GCU has a physical team that makes it hard to score.”
Defense Wins Games
A cornerstone of GCU’s success has been its defensive strategy. While the team only returned two rotation players this season, they’ve quickly adapted. Historically, under Drew, GCU prioritized a strong defense, allowing just 40.2% shooting in previous seasons. This year, they’ve tightened up even more, allowing 37.9% shooting in recent games.
Nana Owusu-Anane, a graduate power forward, noted, “Our defensive game has significantly improved. We’ve really gelled as a unit.”
Rising Stars
Individual players have stepped up, showcasing their skills. Jaden Henley, a senior guard, leads the conference in scoring with an average of 17.3 points per game. He’s hitting new career highs in rebounds and assists, proving his crucial role on the team. After recovering from last season’s shoulder injury, Owusu-Anane has also revitalized his game, demonstrating sharp shooting from three-point range.
Makaih Williams and Dusty Stromer are shining too, making meaningful contributions to the team’s performance as they chase their collective goals.
Looking Ahead
GCU has a busy schedule ahead with ten remaining conference games, including matchups against Air Force and UNLV. The Lopes aim for a top-four finish to secure a bye in the Mountain West Championship. This strategic position can be critical, as teams need to win four games in four days to claim the tournament title.
Statistics back up GCU’s strong showing. They rank within the top 50 nationally for points allowed per game and opponent field goal percentage. Such numbers indicate a formidable defensive lineup.
As for Air Force, they’re struggling with a 14-game losing streak and rank last in several categories, which further highlights GCU’s current strength.
The Road Continues
GCU holds a perfect record when leading at halftime, showcasing their ability to maintain pressure throughout games. With strong shooters in the lineup, they’ve averaged over 46% accuracy from beyond the arc in recent matchups.
As the Lopes move into the second half of the season, the excitement builds. Their growth and determination make them a team to keep an eye on as they chase not just a conference title but potentially another NCAA Tournament appearance.
For ongoing updates about GCU sports, you can follow their official page.
