Havocs controlled the atmosphere during Grand Canyon’s 75-66 upset victory against Saint Mary’s on Friday.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!These Grand Canyon fans are on another level! Living up to their reputation.@GCU_MBB | @GCUHavocs pic.twitter.com/HFsMggxnbe
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 23, 2024
Havocs’ energy in Spokane
The Havocs are GCU students and alumni who bring some of the most contagious energy in the country.
They refer to themselves as “The Biggest Party in College Basketball” and brought that to Spokane, Washington against Saint Mary’s.
Sports reporter/anchor at 12 News in Phoenix, Lina Washington, was in Spokane Arena for Friday’s energetic matchup.
“I think when you can go to a neutral site and it feels like home, you’re going be better positioned to perform,” Washington said. “Just hearing the reactions, the roars, the constant dancing and choreography they had just kept the energy high and it was something that the players said they feed off of.”
BIGGEST. PARTY. IN. COLLEGE. BASKETBALL. pic.twitter.com/KKKunz1RU8
— GCU Havocs (@GCUHavocs) March 23, 2024
GCU players felt the energy and emphasized how crucial that was on Friday.
“It’s wonderful. I mean they’re called the Havocs they wreak havoc, they do what they need to do,” senior guard and WAC Player of the Year Tyon Grant-Foster said.
The @GCUHavocs are HERE. 🎉 pic.twitter.com/wBPLytqpCZ
— Grand Canyon Men’s Basketball (@GCU_MBB) March 23, 2024
“You know I told you reinforcements were inbound and they showed up,” senior forward Gabe McGlothan added. “The Havocs are always having our backs and it’s a blessing to be a part of this.”
The Lopes (30-4) have fed off this energy all season long and continue to do so on the big stage.
Local support
Not only was the Havocs’ support there for GCU, but the local Spokane community also showed up for the Lopes.
Saint Mary’s conference rivals Gonzaga are located in Spokane. Fans of the Bulldogs were in full support of Grand Canyon.
“Gonzaga fans showed up to rattle the Gaels,” Washington said. “Pretty much the entire lower bowl was standing up, cheering, and reacting for GCU.”
The joint support of Lopes fans and locals brought an astonishing intensity to Spokane.
Can they keep the energy?
After winning its first NCAA Tournament game in the team’s Division 1 history, GCU officially advances to the Round of 32.
They are set to face No. 4 Alabama, who are coming off a 109-96 win against Charleston. Their potent and high-powered offense has been a constant struggle to stop for opponents.
The Havocs will need to continue bringing this energy against the Mark Sears-led Crimson Tide.
“I’m interested to see what the percentages of the Arena looks like tomorrow in terms of purple or Crimson gear,” Washington said. “I think it’s going to have every bit of the energy because this is the first time Grand Canyon has been here.”
HISTORY MADE! @GCU_MBB beats Saint Mary’s 75-66 for the program’s first NCAA Tournament win 🤘🏾 the Havocs are ready for Bama on Sunday! @12SportsAZ pic.twitter.com/ir8FpnZoei
— Lina Washington (@LWashingtonTV) March 23, 2024
While they have already checked off the box of securing a March Madness win, GCU is not finished. The Lopes now have an opportunity to make a Sweet 16 appearance with a Sunday win against Alabama.
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Saleh Awwad is a writer/reporter covering the Arizona State Sun Devils, Phoenix High School Sports, and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @SalehAwwad_
