Full Breakdown
Grand Canyon Lopes Defeat Utah Utes in Acrisure Classic Opener
11/26/2025, 11:08:24 PM
Game Overview and Key Statistics
In a notable first-round matchup at the Acrisure Classic, the Grand Canyon Lopes (4-2) secured a 68-58 victory over the Utah Utes (5-2) on November 26, 2025. This win marked a significant achievement for Grand Canyon, as it was the first time in their Division I history that they won a game without making a single three-pointer, finishing the game 0-for-10 from beyond the arc. The Lopes dominated the paint, scoring 62 of their 68 points either in the paint or at the free-throw line, where they outscored Utah 22-12.
Grand Canyon's success was largely attributed to their defensive performance, which held Utah's star guard Terrence Brown, who entered the game averaging 25.2 points per game, to just nine points on 3-of-11 shooting. The Lopes led for 38 of the 40 minutes played, showcasing their control throughout the game.
Defensive Strategy and Player Highlights
Head coach Bryce Drew emphasized the importance of team defense, stating, "I loved our defense... It wasn't one-on-one defense, but it was five guys being aware." This collective effort was evident as the Lopes forced 14 turnovers from Utah, converting those into 17 points. Senior guard Jaden Henley led the Lopes with 18 points, contributing significantly at the free-throw line, where he went 8-of-9.
Freshman center Efe Demirel also made a notable impact, scoring a season-high 12 points and demonstrating strong defensive capabilities. Drew praised Demirel's performance, highlighting his aggressive play and ability to contest shots at the rim.
Utah's Struggles and Coach's Remarks
Utah's head coach Alex Jensen expressed frustration over his team's performance, particularly regarding their turnover issues and inability to capitalize on free-throw opportunities. "We gave up 17 points off turnovers... The free-throw line was disappointing to me," Jensen remarked. The Utes struggled offensively, shooting only 41.2% from the field and failing to maintain momentum after briefly taking the lead in the first half.
Despite the loss, Utah's Don McHenry led his team with 16 points, while Keanu Dawes contributed a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. However, the Utes' inability to adapt to Grand Canyon's defensive pressure ultimately hindered their chances of victory.
Looking Ahead: Championship Matchup
With this win, Grand Canyon advanced to the championship game of the Acrisure Classic, where they are set to face the undefeated Iowa Hawkeyes (6-0), who defeated Ole Miss 74-69 earlier in the evening. The matchup is scheduled for November 27, 2025, at 7:30 PM Phoenix time, and will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network. Coach Drew expressed optimism about the upcoming challenge, stating, "Hopefully, we can ride some adrenaline... We're thankful to be in it."
This victory not only boosts Grand Canyon's confidence but also sets the stage for a competitive championship game against a formidable opponent in Iowa.
