Most teams might find success now and then, but the truly great teams achieve it consistently. One such team is the Grand Canyon University (GCU) Lopes, who recently had back-to-back wins, defeating Boise State by 17 points and then claiming an 18-point victory against San José State.
In their 76-58 win over San José State, GCU showcased their skills in striking new lavender uniforms. They hadn’t won consecutive games with such margins since last January. With this victory, they improved their record to 10-5, placing them tied for fourth in the Mountain West Conference.
Defense played a key role in their success. GCU held their opponent to under 38% shooting for the fifth time in eight games. San José State was notably missing three starters, which certainly affected their performance. From the very start, GCU took control, maintaining a double-digit lead for much of the game.
Freshman center Efe Demirel had a standout game, scoring 14 points and grabbing six rebounds. He quickly established himself in the paint, demonstrating a keen sense for drawing fouls and making strong moves. His physicality was evident, and he emphasized how it made a difference in their gameplay.
Head Coach Bryce Drew praised the ball movement during the game, noting how they assisted on most of their successful shots in the first half. This teamwork allowed them to dominate the court. Even when San José State attempted to switch to a zone defense, GCU’s junior guard Dusty Stromer hit several key 3-pointers, aiding in their lead.
Stromer expressed his excitement about finally hitting a groove after putting in hard work. He had been struggling with his shooting accuracy previously but felt the rhythm returning during this game.
As the game progressed, GCU utilized a deeper rotation. Freshman point guard Evan Boisdur and redshirt freshman Dennis Evans had a chance to showcase their talents. Evans particularly stood out at the end, blocking three shots in 11 seconds, highlighting his potential as a defensive powerhouse.
The Lopes aimed for a fast-paced game, seeking to turn defensive stops into quick points. Senior guard Jaden Henley made significant contributions with steals that fueled their transition game. Their hustle in such segments was evident, resulting in 17 fastbreak points.
GCU’s rebounding was also impressive, with graduate power forward Nana Owusu-Anane leading the charge. His relentless effort on the boards has become a trademark of his playstyle.
This win felt especially significant as the Lopes regained their home-court advantage after a disappointing loss earlier in January. With fans back in full force, GCU aims to continue building momentum, especially with a major matchup against conference leader Utah State upcoming.
As teams grow stronger and learn from their games, it’s clear that consistency in performance will be crucial for GCU moving forward in the season. The excitement of college basketball keeps fans engaged, making every game worth watching. For further insights into college sports, check out the NCAA’s official site here.
