The Grand Canyon University Lopes entered the evening in Vancouver with a depleted roster, but the team still managed to dominate Mount Royal University 83‑65 in an exhibition contest.
A Test of Depth
Efe Demirel led the scoring with 14 points, adding seven rebounds and four blocked shots, while Omaha Biliew contributed 10 of his 13 points after halftime and shared the rebounding lead with Blake Barkley.
Senior point guard Dylan Darling, despite limited practice time, posted 10 points, five rebounds and four assists, showing poise under pressure.
Micah Tucker recorded three steals and nine points, and Jaden Zimmerman, a Quinnipiac transfer, chipped in eight points, underscoring the depth of the bench.
The Lopes’ defensive adjustments paid off in the second half, limiting Mount Royal to just two offensive rebounds and breaking a five‑shot three‑point streak that had threatened to swing momentum.
Building Momentum
Coach Bryce Drew praised the team’s resilience, noting that the limited practice time made the victory a valuable lesson in cohesion and adaptability.
The win also served as a bonding experience, with the players using the adversity of injuries as a catalyst for tighter on‑court chemistry.
Looking ahead, the Lopes will travel to Langley, British Columbia, for a Thursday night showdown against Trinity Western, hoping to carry the momentum forward.
The exhibition schedule, which includes a brief sightseeing break, is designed to blend competition with team‑building, a strategy that could prove decisive as the season progresses.