Harrison’s Heroics: Grand Canyon Triumphs Over Utah Valley 89-82 in WAC Tournament Finale

No. 2 seed Grand Canyon University (GCU) has secured its third consecutive NCAA Tournament berth after defeating top-seeded Utah Valley, 89-82, in the Western Athletic Conference Championship final held Saturday night in Las Vegas. This marks the fourth NCAA Tournament appearance in GCU’s history, with all four coming since 2021.

Leading the charge for the Lopes was Ray Harrison, who scored 18 points. The team showcased a strong performance with six players scoring in double figures. Duke Brennan contributed 16 points and 10 rebounds, while JaKobe Coles added 13 points. Makaih Williams, Lok Wur, and Tyon Grant-Foster each chipped in 12 points.

Utah Valley, fresh off a remarkable 10-game winning streak, initially gained momentum with a 19-5 run to lead 21-12 in the first half. However, GCU responded deftly, closing out the half with a 7-1 run to grab a 40-33 advantage. Despite a late push from Utah Valley, GCU maintained control, with critical shots and free throws sealing the victory.

Tanner Toolson led the Wolverines with 28 points, shooting 6 of 9 from beyond the arc. Carter Welling added 18 points, and Trevan Leonhardt made significant contributions with 10 points and six assists. Although this was Utah Valley’s first championship game appearance, they had previously triumphed over Seattle in the semifinals.

Reflecting on the regular season, both teams had split their two matchups, with each securing a victory on home turf. Grand Canyon’s success marks a significant uplift for the program and adds to the competitive landscape of college basketball in the region.

The sports scene in Phoenix remains vibrant, with several major professional teams and annual events. Teams include the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, NBA’s Phoenix Suns, WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, and MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks. The city hosts events like the Fiesta Bowl, the WM Phoenix Open, and Cactus League Spring Training, solidifying its status as a hub for sports enthusiasts.