It revolves around defense.
 
Grand Canyon University Men's Club Basketball defeated California Miramar University in the Canyon Activity Center on GCU's campus, 83-62. The victory got the Lopes (8-6 overall) back in the win column following back-to-back losses the week before. 
 
GCU opened the night attempting to match the Falcons' aggressiveness but missed several clear shots as they relied on three-point attempts. Early baskets from GCU's Jack Brackmann and Larry Holmes helped the Lopes stay neck-and-neck with CMU as the Falcons tested the Lopes' fundamentals and teamwork. 
 
"We're still trying to figure out how to be disciplined and how to come out with the same level of energy and intensity every single game," said GCU Head Coach Lamont Lane. 
 
Midway through the first half, GCU's defense forced CMU into rushed possessions. As the Lopes tied the game several times, they finally gained control of the game, taking a 40-29 lead by halftime.
 
GCU's offense started knocking down shots, pushing the pace of the game, and using a 16-7 over the first seven minutes of the 2^nd half to build a 20-point lead. GCU's defense forced multiple turnovers, leading to high-energy finishes - with two dunks toward the end that sparked the court, bench, and crowd. 
 
"For us, everything is revolving around defense," said Lane. "If we can defend and play the way we want to play, which is fast in transition, typically a lot of good things stem from that."
 
GCU picked up its second win in three days over CMU with a 10-0 forfeit victory Wednesday afternoon.
 
The Lopes travel to Crownpoint, New Mexico to take on the Skyhawks of Navajo Technical University this Friday, November 21. After Thanksgiving break, the Lopes will be back home in the Canyon Activity Center on December 1 to host Community Christian College.