PHOENIX – After clinching its third straight WAC title, Grand Canyon men’s basketball team cliched its ticket to March Madness in the NCAA tournament. GCU narrowly escaped with the win against Utah Valley in the WAC championship game, closing out the season 26-7. The Lopes had six players scored 12+ points in the title game, which is the first time in WAC history. The win allowed it to dance into March, as it earned the 13th seed in the west region to play against 4th seed Maryland.
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GCU guard Collin Moore (8) dribbles up court against ACU during a game at Grand Canyon University on Jan. 16, 2025, in Phoenix. Syndication: Arizona Republic
GCU’s reaction to pulling Maryland in the first round:
Matchup set. ???? pic.twitter.com/1DKdOCpxFc
— Grand Canyon Men’s Basketball (@GCU_MBB) March 16, 2025
Since the program became Division 1 in 2013, it had made the NCAA tournament three times. The first two appearances had the Lopes loss in the first round by double digits. However, in 2024, the team was able to pull of massive upset as the 12th seed against Saint Mary’s 75-66. Despite losing in the next round, the win showcased GCU on a national stage what the program had to offer.
GCU Lopes guard Makaih Williams (2) drives in to the lane against the Southern Utah Thunderbirds at Global Credit Union Arena in Phoenix on Jan. 4, 2025. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Maryland is coming off its best season since 2015-2016, finishing the year 25-8 and second in the Big 10. The Terrapins lost in the semifinals of the conference tournament to the eventual Big 10 champs, Michigan. Despite the loss, Maryland still find itself at a favorable 4th seed in March Madness.
The Lopes will have their work cut out for them, as the Terrapins had the best point differential in the Big 10, with the best scoring defense and third scoring offense. Regardless, GCU and the Havocs are going into the matchup confident and will come out swinging on Friday versus Maryland.
GCU Molly Miller on verge of historic win streak and milestone
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
