Grand Canyon basketball pulled off a historic upset last night, defeating Utah 68-58 at the Acrisure Classic in Palm Desert. Jaden Henley led the charge with a game-high 18 points, showcasing defensive excellence and ball control that advanced the Lopes to the championship game.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Grand Canyon defeated Utah 68-58 on November 25 at the Acrisure Classic in Palm Desert, California
- Jaden Henley scored a game-high 18 points with 8-of-9 free throw accuracy
- The Lopes won without making a single 3-pointer — a first in the school’s Division I era
- Grand Canyon advances to face Iowa, the undefeated 6-0 Hawkeyes, in the championship game
Henley’s 18-Point Masterclass Propels Grand Canyon Past Utes
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Senior guard Jaden Henley delivered the performance of the night with 18 points, shooting 5-of-11 from the field and a stellar 8-of-9 from the free throw line. He sealed the victory with a driving 3-point play that gave the Lopes a commanding 64-52 lead with just 54.6 seconds remaining. Henley’s clutch play proved instrumental in controlling rhythm down the stretch.
The Lopes (4-2) showcased offensive balance despite their shocking lack of 3-point attempts. Efe Demirel, a freshman center, contributed a season-high 12 points in just 19 minutes, finishing through aggressive attacks near the rim. Guard Makaih Williams orchestrated the offense while creating opportunities for teammates with backcourt steals.
No 3-Pointers, Superior Defense: The Game Plan That Worked
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What made this victory truly remarkable was Grand Canyon’s zero made 3-pointers — a Division I era first for the program. Head coach Bryce Drew praised the team’s execution, stating their defensive intensity and rim attacks more than compensated for the absence of outside shooting.
The defensive effort was suffocating. Utah’s Terrence Brown, the nation’s second-leading scorer averaging 25 points per game, was held to just 9 points on 3-of-11 shooting. This snapped his nation-leading streak of 37 consecutive double-digit scoring games. Grand Canyon also dominated possession battle, outrebounding Utah on the offensive glass and making only six turnovers compared to Utah’s 14 turnovers.
The Lopes’ ball control translated to points. Grand Canyon outscored the Utes 17-0 on points off turnovers, a telling statistic that highlighted their disciplined play.
Tournament Bracket and Championship Matchup Details
| Team | Semifinal Result | Record |
| Grand Canyon | Defeated Utah 68-58 | 4-2 |
| Iowa | Defeated Ole Miss 74-69 | 6-0 |
| Championship Game: November 26, 2025 at 8:00 PM PT (Acrisure Arena, Palm Desert) | ||
Key Defensive Moment: Second Half Shutdown
The turning point arrived early in the second half when Grand Canyon executed a devastating 9-0 run. Brian Moore Jr. initiated the surge with consecutive scores — a cutting layup assisted by Makaih Williams and a running bank shot. When Henley followed with a pull-up jumper, the Lopes led 39-29, forcing Utah into a timeout just three minutes into the second frame.
From that moment, Grand Canyon controlled match for 38 of 40 minutes. Utah never regained the momentum, ultimately falling short against the Lopes’ superior discipline and execution in the paint.
What This Victory Means for the Lopes’ Championship Bid Tonight
Tonight’s championship game represents the ultimate test. Iowa brings an undefeated 6-0 record into the matchup, fresh off a 74-69 victory over previously undefeated Ole Miss. The Hawkeyes feature Bennett Stirtz, who erupted for 29 points in Iowa’s semifinal triumph. The two programs met previously in the 2021 NCAA Tournament, adding historical intrigue to the rematch.
For Grand Canyon, tonight’s championship game on CBS Sports Network offers a chance to prove last night’s victory was no fluke. The Lopes’ unorthodox path to dominance — winning without making a 3-pointer — suggests this team has found its identity. Can they maintain this formula against a potent Iowa offense?
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.