Grand Canyon University (GCU) basketball players and staff are navigating the emotional aftermath of a disappointing overtime loss to Nevada. The Lopes took time to reflect on their performance, analyzing key moments from the game during their practice on Wednesday. Determined to turn the page, they focused on preparing for a crucial home game against Boise State, which is set to tip off at 7 p.m. on Friday at the Global Credit Union Arena.
In discussing the previous game, GCU head coach emphasized the importance of acknowledging the pain of the loss while also committing to learning from it. “You put so much into it, and we were in such a great position to win the game. It hurts,” he said. “But we can’t let that affect how we play in our next game.” Currently positioned in fifth place in the Mountain West standings, the Lopes (13-7, 6-3 MW) find themselves trailing behind leaders San Diego State, but they are intent on bouncing back.
Their upcoming opponents, the Boise State Broncos (13-8, 5-5 MW), are riding a wave of momentum following a four-game winning streak. The Lopes previously secured a decisive victory over Boise State in their first matchup of the season but acknowledged the challenge ahead. Head coach noted that the Broncos are showcasing their best performance lately, playing aggressive defense across the board.
Boise State will enter the game motivated for revenge after their earlier defeat and fortified by their recent performances, which included winning by large margins. In an encouraging twist for GCU, they have an impressive home record under Coach Drew, and Friday could mark their 200th victory at their home arena.
While the Lopes have struggled with shooting percentages in their recent games, they hold an advantage in several key statistics. GCU leads the league in opponent shooting percentage, demonstrating a strong defensive capability. However, the team needs to improve its own scoring, especially from beyond the arc, to secure the win.
Injuries have compounded the Lopes’ challenges, as they are currently missing two starters. Coach Drew expressed concern that the increased minutes for the remaining starters during a grueling stretch of games have impacted their performance. Nonetheless, the team remains focused on improving and embracing the lessons from their setbacks.
As they approach this critical matchup against Boise State, GCU aims not only to restore their momentum but also to uplift their dedicated fanbase, ready to make a statement with a strong home performance. The Lopes’ resilience and ability to learn from adversity will play a crucial role in their pursuit of victory on Friday night.