GCU and ASU Set to Face Off in Basketball
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The two biggest rivals in the state of Arizona are set to meet on the hardwood for the first time this season.
Rivalry between GCU and ASU
The rivalry between Grand Canyon University (GCU) and Arizona State University (ASU) is one of the most intense in college basketball The two schools are located just a few miles apart in Phoenix, Arizona, and their fan bases are very passionate about their teams.
The GCU men’s basketball team has only been in Division I for a few years, but they have already made a name for themselves by upsetting some of the top teams in the country. ASU is a perennial power in the Pac-12 conference, and they have won multiple NCAA Championships
The two teams first met on the court in 2014, and GCU won that game handily. Since then, the games have been much closer, and both sides have claimed victories. The most recent meeting was in 2018, when ASU won by a single point.
The rivalry between GCU and ASU is one of the most exciting in college basketball and it is sure to continue for many years to come.
The two teams’ history
The GCU Lopes and the ASU Sun Devils are set to meet again on the court this season, and there is no love lost between these two basketball programs The two schools are separated by just over 30 miles, and their students often butt heads with each other on social media and in person. But it wasn’t always this way – let’s take a look back at how these two programs came to be such fierce rivals.
ASU men’s basketball started in 1897, making them one of the oldest programs in the country. GCU didn’t start their men’s team until 2002, but they made up for lost time by becoming one of the most successful mid-major programs in recent years In 2017, GCU made it to the NCAA tournament for the first time in program history, and they haven’t missed a beat since then. They’ve won at least 20 games in each of the last three seasons, and they’re currently ranked #25 in the country.
ASU has had mixed results over the last few years, but they’re still a major player in the Pac-12 conference. They made it to the NCAA Tournament last year, but they were bounced in the first round by Syracuse. This season, they’re off to a solid start with a 6-2 record.
The Lopes and Sun Devils have only played each other four times since GCU joined Division I in 2013, but each game has been close and hotly contested. ASU has won three of those four matchups, butGCU’s lone win came in dramatic fashion when they upset then-#3 ASU on their home court in 2016.
This season’s matchup will be played at GCU Arena on December 21st, and it’s sure to be a heated battle between these two Arizona schools.
The players to watch
When GCU and ASU take the court against each other, there will be plenty of star power on display.
For GCU, the player to watch is undoubtedly DePaul transfer David Collins. The 6-foot-7 wing has been a revelation for the Lopes, averaging 16.1 points and 5.4 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 46.8 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from three-point range He’s also a superb defender, using his length and athleticism to make life difficult for opposing wings.
ASU will counter with Remy Martin one of the top point guards in the country. The junior is averaging 19.1 points and 4.1 assists per game while shooting 41.3 percent from three-point range. He’s a dynamic playmaker who can take over a game with his scoring or his passing, and he’ll be a tough test for Collins and the GCU defense.
These two players will be central to their team’s success, so keep an eye on them when GCU and ASU square off on the hardwood.
The coaches
Lopes’ Head Coach Rene Herrala is in his fifth season at the helm of the men’s Basketball Program During his time at GCU, Herrala has led the team to two NCAA Division II tournament appearances and one conference championship
On the other side, ASU’s Bobby Hurley is no stranger to success either. In his four years as ASU’s head coach Hurley has led the Sun Devils to two NCAA tournament appearances and one Conference Championship
The fans
ASU fans are passionate about their team and love to show their support. They are known for being loud and rowdy, and often stay until the end of the game regardless of the score. GCU fans are also very supportive of their team. They are known for being rowdy and for dressing up in GCU gear.
The game itself
The game will be held at GCU Arena in Phoenix, Arizona on December 5th, 2018 at 7:00pm. This will be the first time the two in-state rivals have ever faced off against each other in men’s basketball.
ASU is currently ranked #3 in the nation and is coming off of a win against then-ranked #1 Kansas. GCU is unranked but has been garnering attention after their recent upset win against then-ranked #5 Xavier.
The aftermath
The GCU men’s Basketball team won their game against ASU last night, but the victory was not without controversy. Some students are upset that the game was played on GCU’s campus, while others are concerned about the safety of the players.
GCU released a statement earlier today addressing the concerns of students. In it, they said that they had been in communication with ASU and that both schools had agreed to the terms of the game.GCU also said that they would be taking steps to increase security at future games.
What this game means for the season
The GCU and ASU basketball game tonight will be a crucial one for both teams. For GCU, a win would mean staying atop the Conference Standings For ASU, a win would put them in a better position to make the conference tournament
This will be the first meeting between the two teams this season. GCU is coming off a loss to UNLV, while ASU is coming off a win against BYU.GCU is led by junior guard Jerome Garrison, who is averaging 18 points per game ASU is led by senior guard Tra Holder, who is averaging 17 points per game
The game tips off at 7:00 PM MST and will be televised on ESPN2.
For the fans
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of GCU or ASU, there’s no denying that this is going to be an exciting basketball game These two teams always bring their A-game when they face off, and this year is sure to be no different.
So, for all the fans out there, here’s what you need to know about the GCU vs. ASU basketball game
When: Thursday, January 17 at 7pm MST
Where: GCU Arena in Phoenix, AZ
What to expect: A high-intensity game between two evenly-matched teams. Both teams are known for their strong defense, so don’t expect a lot of points to be scored. This could be a close one!
For the players
It’s that time of year again — GCU and ASU are set to face off in basketball! The two teams have been rivals for years, and this year’s game is sure to be a good one.
For the players, this game is an opportunity to show their skills on the court and to earn bragging rights for their school. But for the fans, it’s about much more than that. It’s an opportunity to support their team, to wear their colors proudly, and to show their School Spirit
No matter what your alma mater is, make sure you tune in to watch the game!