"The guys came out more prepared for Justice's full-court defense," said GCU White Head Coach Lamont Lane.
Following a heartbreaking 58-55 loss to Justice College in November, GCU used the memory of the loss and took better care of the basketball to post a 68-53 win over JC in the rematch during the first round of the Arizona Men's Basketball League Playoffs at GCU's Canyon Activity Center. The win advanced them to the semifinal round, where they were eliminated in overtime, 84-76, by PHH Prep.
AMBL First Round: GCU White 68, Justice College 53
After struggling with the full-court press that Justice employed against them in November, Grand Canyon University Club Basketball Team White were much better prepared this time around, spreading the ball more carefully and avoiding costly turnovers. Elyon Zevenbergen powered the Lopes' offense early, filling the stat sheet with a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds. Lopes' guard Jacob Rice also played a huge part, "attacking the basket early and often" according to Lane and scoring a team-high 17 points while collecting five steals.
"Overall, it was our second-half defense that set the tone for the big win," said Lane.
AMBL Semifinals: PHH Prep 84, GCU White 76 (F/OT)
What started as a back-and-forth affair quickly became one-sided as GCU's offense sputtered in the first half due to turnovers and unforced errors. The Fire's offense countered with numerous threes and a half-ending alley-oop dunk to take an eight-point lead at the break.
GCU White began the second half with a renewed energy, quickly cutting into the lead.
"David Black and Mason Petersen were excellent in the second half, with David getting to the rim and dishing out assists, and Mason shooting the lights out from the three-point line," said Lane.
The superb offensive play from the Lopes and some critical defensive stops down the stretch powered the Lopes to the lead with 12 seconds left in regulation.
An untimely GCU turnover led to a quick game-tying PHH Prep layup, sending the game to overtime, where PHH dominated, ending GCU's championship hopes.
The Lopes now set their sights on California, heading to Fullerton for the National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association Club League. They will be competing at 9:00, 11:30, and 2:30 on Saturday the 26th of February, and at 3:00 on Sunday the 27th.
