Lopes Shock Top-Seeded Wolverines to Capture WAC Championship Glory

Grand Canyon University has made history once again by clinching its third consecutive NCAA Tournament berth and fourth in total, all since 2021. The Lopes, seeded No. 2, showcased their prowess in the Western Athletic Conference Tournament, beating top-seeded Utah Valley 89-82 in a thrilling championship match held in Las Vegas.

Ray Harrison was the standout player, contributing 18 points to the team’s victory. He was supported by Duke Brennan, who recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while JaKobe Coles added 13 points. Makaih Wiilliams, Lok Wur, and Tyon Grant-Foster each chipped in with 12 points, demonstrating the depth of the Lopes’ roster.

Utah Valley, the No. 1 seed and a newcomer to the championship game, had high hopes after a remarkable season, including a winning streak of 10 games. Tanner Toolson led the Wolverines, sinking 6 of 9 from three-point range to score 28 points. Despite a strong run early in the game, Utah Valley couldn’t maintain their momentum against a resilient Grand Canyon squad.

The Wolverines initially surged ahead with a 19-5 run, establishing a 21-12 lead. However, Grand Canyon responded swiftly, scoring nine consecutive points and closing the first half with a 7-1 run to lead 40-33. The two teams had split their regular-season matchups, with home-court advantage prevailing on each occasion.

With this victory, Grand Canyon continues to solidify its status as a rising powerhouse in college basketball. Fans eagerly await their performance in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

In other local sports news, Phoenix remains a vibrant hub for athletics, hosting teams in four major professional leagues: the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, NBA’s Phoenix Suns, WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, and MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks. The city also hosts a variety of sporting events throughout the year, including college football’s Fiesta Bowl and MLB’s Cactus League Spring Training for 15 franchises.

Stay updated on local sports and events as Phoenix continues to thrive in the athletic landscape.