Grand Canyon made a statement in the NCAA Tournament by pulling off a thrilling upset against Saint Mary's with a final score of 75-66. The 12th-seeded Antelopes showcased their skills and determination to secure a well-deserved victory over the 5th-seeded Gaels.
Tyon Grant-Foster led the charge for Grand Canyon with an impressive 22-point performance, including crucial plays in the second half that propelled his team to success. Gabe McGlothan also made significant contributions with 12 points and 11 rebounds, matching up well against Saint Mary's physical post players.
The Antelopes' strong offensive display exposed Saint Mary's renowned defense, as they became only the seventh team this season to surpass the 70-point mark against the West Coast Conference champions.
Grand Canyon's remarkable 15-1 run in the second half proved to be the turning point in the game, allowing them to build a substantial lead and maintain control until the final buzzer. The team's defensive prowess, highlighted by nine blocks, stifled Saint Mary's attempts to mount a comeback.
With this victory, Grand Canyon advances to face No. 4 seed Alabama in the second round, setting the stage for an exciting matchup against the top scoring team in the country. Alabama's dominant offensive performances throughout the season present a formidable challenge for the Antelopes.
Grand Canyon's journey to Division I in 2017 has been marked by a relentless pursuit of success in college basketball. After previous NCAA Tournament appearances ended in defeat, the Antelopes have now achieved a significant milestone with their first tournament win, signaling their emergence as a competitive force on the national stage.
As the Antelopes bask in the glory of their triumph, they look ahead to the next challenge against Alabama, fully aware of the task at hand. The stage is set for an epic showdown as Grand Canyon aims to continue their impressive tournament run and make a lasting impact in March Madness.
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