PHOENIX — Grand Canyon University is on the cusp of making history as the men’s basketball team prepares for its NCAA Tournament opener against Maryland this Friday at Climate Pledge Arena. Led by head coach Bryce Drew, the Lopes are determined to showcase their grit and talent on the national stage.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!As the No. 13 seed, GCU faces a formidable opponent in No. 10 Maryland, a team that boasts one of the nation’s top defensive lineups. But the Lopes are no strangers to uphill battles. With three consecutive NCAA appearances, they’ve solidified their reputation as a resilient force.
“Whoever we play, we know they’re going to be really good” Drew said (2025).
GCU at Grand Canyon University Arena in Phoenix on Feb. 17, 2024.
Despite being one of the few mid-major teams, GCU has proved itself and aspires to make a statement, showcasing its talent, which has helped the program make the NCAA Tournament for the third year in a row.
Circling back to its upcoming opponent, GCU understands the strengths and weaknesses it is facing and is focusing on key areas for the upcoming game. Not only is Maryland ranked higher, but it was also ranked No. 11 in the AP Top 25 last week and in the top 10 nationally for defense. GCU head coach Bryce Drew is preparing his team not only to go against a great team but also to compete against great individual players. Maryland has standout players, including projected NBA lottery pick Derik Queen and one of the top point guards in the country, Ja’Kobi Gillespie (GCU Athletics, 2025). With that in mind, the Lopes are preparing their strongest players, including lead scorer Tyon Grant-Foster and key contributors Gabe McGlothan and Ray Harrison.
https://x.com/GCU_MBB/status/1901670504475611411
GCU women’s basketball earns 13 seed in historic NCAA Tournament debut
If the GCU Lopes take the win against Maryland on Friday, they will play again Sunday against either No. 5 seed Memphis (29-5) or No. 12 seed Colorado State (25-9), with the winner advancing.
With GCU demonstrating its strengths and growth both as individual players and as a team, the Lopes stand a great chance of securing their first-ever win in March Madness. With foundational players and strong leadership from head coach Bryce Drew, GCU has the potential and drive to compete against Maryland.
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Reporter Dulce Antonsen covers the Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports.
