Closing out the game with defense.

GCU Men's Lacrosse's defense stood strong while a man down in the last 20 seconds of a closely contested, 7-6 victory over Southern Methodist University at Colter Field on the GCU campus Sunday, bouncing back from Saturday's 11-8 loss to the University of Georgia in the process.

In a back-and-forth game where possessions were at a premium, GCU junior face-off specialist Cruise Clay delivered, winning 56% of his draws on the day (after capturing 2/3 of his face-offs against Georgia) and scooping eight ground balls.

GCU got on the board first with a score from senior attackman Liam Reid, assisted by junior midfielder Caleb Brager, though SMU quickly answered. The defensive intensity for both sides then increased, leaving the game tied at 1-1 at the first quarter break.

The Lopes took a 4-3 lead into halftime - thanks to goals from sophomore attackman Cameron Seymour, junior midfielder Kai Cook, and junior attackman Marshall Moore.

The third quarter started with Reid feeding Seymour for another score, giving the Lopes a 5-3 lead on their third straight goal. The Mustangs tied it at 5-5 right before the end of the quarter.

With 11:15 left in the final quarter, the Lopes got some magic, seeing a Moore shot wide of the net bounce into the net of Reid's stick, which Reid quickly deposited in the back of the SMU net.

Like they did all day, though, SMU answered quickly to tie the game at 6-6.

With seven minutes remaining, a quick pass from Cook to Moore resulted in the final score of the game. The Lopes' defense then tightened up - despite going a man down for the final 20 seconds after a turnover and an ensuing penalty, only allowed one shot attempt that landed outside of the net.

GCU goalie Jake Hives ended with 12 saves.

The Lopes (2-2 overall, 0-0 SLC) return to action this weekend on Colter Field, facing off with the University of Colorado at 7PM on Friday, March 7 and Boston College at 7PM on Saturday, March 8.