A Dominant Finish in Canada
Grand Canyon University’s Lopes put the finishing touches on their Canadian university basketball tour with a 107‑78 rout of Trinity Western, a result that underscored the team’s rapid ascent in both confidence and execution.
Coach Bryce Drew observed that the squad’s energy and cohesion had surged dramatically over the course of the trip, noting that players felt increasingly comfortable sharing the ball and supporting one another.
Senior center Tyler Behrend, a Tulsa transfer, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the group could not afford to slip up as they prepared for the upcoming Mountain West tournament.
Scoring contributions came from several sources, with Jaden Zimmerman leading the way at 24 points and Barkley adding 21 points and seven rebounds, the latter adapting to a stretch‑forward role that stretched the opposition’s defense.
The Lopes’ defensive pressure forced Trinity Western to shoot just 34.3 % from the field, a figure that mirrored their earlier success against Mount Royal and highlighted the team’s ability to dictate tempo.
Bonding Activities as a Competitive Edge
Off the court, the squad partook in a series of bonding activities — including paragliding, suspension‑bridge walks and harbor cruises — that forged a sense of unity that translated into seamless on‑court chemistry.
The team logged 25 assists on 38 made baskets, a statistic that outpaced Trinity Western’s defensive output and illustrated the fluidity forged through shared experiences.
Looking ahead, the Lopes will take a two‑week break before reconvening with senior guards Makiah Williams and Caleb Shaw, while only Demirel returns from the previous roster, setting the stage for a refreshed campaign.