Squaring off against the same team it defeated in last year's National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association Championship game, GCU Men's Club Basketball outlasted Air Force Academy Prep for the second straight year, 73-71, Friday night in the Canyon Activity Center.  The Lopes held off a late charge from a Falcons' squad that had upgraded its size and talent from a year ago.

"I love how we started the game, since our defense set the tone," said GCU Head Coach Lamont Lane. "When we focus on defense and don't rely solely on offense, everything flows much easier."

The Lopes locked in on defense early in the first half and then caught fire as a team shooting from the three-point line, making eight treys in the first half en route to a 39-28 halftime lead. AFA Prep made a comeback in the second half by coming out in a full-court press to cut into the GCU lead.

"We did let up a bit late, and the press by Air Force made it interesting, but I was proud of how the guys held it together to close out the game," said Lane. "This group keeps rising to the challenge, and while there's still plenty to work on, this was another big step for us."

The Lopes play again tonight (Tuesday) in the CAC against Nelson University at 5:30PM.