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LAS VEGAS — GCU had its first run through the Mountain West Conference Tournament, which ended in heartbreak Thursday afternoon as the Lopes fell 84–80 to Nevada in the quarterfinal round at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Despite leading at halftime and controlling long stretches of the game, Grand Canyon couldn’t withstand a late Nevada push fueled by trips to the free-throw line and a big performance from Wolf Pack center Corey Camper Jr., who finished with 27 points.
The loss closes GCU’s conference tournament appearance in its first year competing in the Mountain West.
Strong First Half Gives GCU Early Control
Grand Canyon opened the game with composure and efficiency, building a 40–34 halftime lead behind balanced scoring and steady guard play.
Makiah Williams paced the Lopes in the first half and finished the game with 25 points, knocking down 3-of-6 from three while consistently attacking the paint and getting to the free-throw line.
Grand Canyon shot 48% from the field in the game and connected on 7-of-16 from three, helping the Lopes maintain control through much of the first half.
Meanwhile, Jaden Henley provided another scoring punch with 19 points, repeatedly getting downhill against Nevada’s defense.
Free Throws Fuel Nevada’s Comeback
The second half became increasingly physical, and Nevada took advantage of it.
The Wolf Pack attempted 45 free throws, converting 36, compared to GCU’s 41 attempts and 27 makes.
Camper Jr. dominated inside, shooting 8-of-13 from the field and 8-of-9 from the line while pulling down six rebounds.
Nevada also got key contributions from Vaughn Weems 16 points and 7 rebounds, helping the Wolf Pack slowly chip away at the Lopes’ lead.
After trailing at the break, Nevada scored 50 second-half points to complete the comeback.
GCU Battles Until the Final Possession
Grand Canyon refused to go quietly.
Nana Owusu-Anane anchored the interior with 11 points and 9 rebounds, while Jaden Henley added 19 points.
Grand Canyon had opportunities late, including a clutch three-pointer from Williams with three seconds left that trimmed the deficit to four.
However, Nevada sealed the game at the free-throw line to hold on for the 84–80 victory.
Key Numbers
- Makiah Williams (GCU): 25 points
- Jaden Henley (GCU): 19 points
- Corey Camper Jr. (Nevada): 27 points
- Free Throws: Nevada 36–45, GCU 27–41
- Bench Points: Nevada 17, GCU 8
Final Thoughts
Even in defeat, the Lopes showed they belong on the Mountain West stage. GCU battled a top-five seed toe-to-toe and controlled much of the game before Nevada’s late run swung the outcome.
If the Lopes can build on the guard play of Williams and freshman Boisdur while continuing to get interior production from Demirel and Evans, Thursday’s performance may be remembered less for the loss and more as a glimpse of what GCU basketball can become in the Mountain West.
You can follow the remaining of the tournament here, to see who wins the all coveted Auto-bid for the MWC!
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