Following in the footsteps of historical giants like James Madison, Grand Canyon University’s men’s basketball team defied their seeding, exhibiting the grit and prowess not typically associated with a No. 12 seed.
Their remarkable journey began with a stunning victory over the No. 5 seed, St. Mary’s, in a hard-fought battle that culminated in a 75-66 triumph, marking the program’s inaugural March Madness win. GCU, a for-profit institution, transitioned to Division I status in 2013, setting the stage for its ascent onto the national stage.
Awaiting Grand Canyon in the second round is the formidable No. 4 seed, Alabama, who emerged victorious from a high-scoring clash with Charleston, prevailing 109-96 in a thrilling shootout.
Tyon Grant-Foster emerged as the game’s leading scorer, delivering an impressive performance with 22 points on 6-of-13 shooting, accompanied by seven rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.
Grand Canyon’s victory contributes to the overarching storyline of this year’s tournament, characterized by a remarkable surge in success for double-digit seeds. As the Antelopes join the ranks of the eight underdog teams advancing, the tournament narrative is punctuated by unexpected outcomes that defy the dominance of higher-seeded teams.
The resilience and determination exhibited by these underdogs have emerged as defining factors, frequently overwhelming opponents who may have underestimated their abilities or dismissed their potential.
The spirited support of the Grand Canyon faithful further fueled the team’s momentum as their passionate presence reverberated throughout the arena in Spokane.
From the onset, the game unfolded as a tightly contested affair, characterized by back-and-forth exchanges, with neither team able to establish a significant lead in the first half. Such parity favored the underdog Antelopes, who showcased a level of athleticism and playmaking prowess rarely witnessed from teams within the Western Athletic Conference.
Entering halftime with a narrow 28-27 advantage, Grand Canyon seized control early in the second half, embarking on a decisive 17-1 run. This surge placed Saint Mary’s in an uncomfortable position, particularly given their reputation as the slowest-paced team in the tournament field according to KenPom’s tempo rating.
Despite Saint Mary’s previous dominance, Grand Canyon’s formidable defense, highlighted by eight steals and nine blocks, presented a formidable challenge.
Despite Saint Mary’s valiant efforts to narrow the deficit late in the game, reducing the margin to as little as five points, they ultimately fell short, unable to bridge the gap further.
