In a thrilling Western Athletic Conference Tournament championship game held in Paradise, Nevada, the Grand Canyon Lopes triumphed over Utah Valley with a final score of 89-82. Ray Harrison significantly contributed to the victory, leading the team by scoring 18 points. An impressive performance from the second-seeded Grand Canyon team helped them secure their third consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament and the fourth in the program’s history, marking all of these feats since 2021.
Key players such as Duke Brennan, who recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, and JaKobe Coles, who added 13 points, were instrumental in the Lopes’ success. Contributors Makaih Williams, Lok Wur, and Tyon Grant-Foster each chipped in with 12 points to bolster the team’s offensive strength.
Despite a competitive game, Utah Valley’s efforts fell short. Carter Welling minimized the deficit to three points with a jumper with nine minutes remaining, but Grand Canyon effectively responded. Harrison’s two free throws and a strategic step-back three-pointer from Williams, following a steal by Collin Moore, alongside Coles’ successful free throws, created a key 74-62 lead.
Tanner Toolson was a standout for the Wolverines, hitting six out of nine three-point attempts to score 28 points. Welling contributed with 18 points, and Trevan Leonhardt added 10 points and six assists. Coming off a winning streak of 10 consecutive victories and having secured 20 of their last 21 games, Utah Valley finished the regular season as conference champions. Their journey to the championship game represented a milestone for the team, marking their first-ever appearance in this stage after previously falling short in six semifinals.
The Wolverines opened the game with a strong 19-5 run, establishing an early 21-12 lead. However, Grand Canyon answered back, scoring nine consecutive points and closing the first half with a decisive 7-1 run, leaving the court with a 40-33 advantage. During the regular season, both teams managed to secure one win each, protecting their home courts.
