Published: March 17, 2025
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Game Overview
On March 15, 2025, the Grand Canyon University (GCU) women’s basketball team secured a historic 65-62 victory over the University of Texas at Arlington Mavericks in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Tournament championship game. This triumph marked the Lopes’ first WAC championship and solidified their spot in the NCAA Tournament.
Season Highlights
- Record-Breaking Performance: The Lopes concluded the season with a stellar 32-2 overall record and an unblemished 16-0 conference record.
- Winning Streak: GCU achieved a remarkable 28-game winning streak leading up to the championship.
Key Figures
- Molly Miller: In her fifth season as head coach, Miller has transformed GCU into a formidable force in women’s college basketball. Her tenure at GCU began on April 7, 2020, and she has since amassed an impressive overall coaching record of 295-54.
Game Dynamics
The championship game was a closely contested battle, with both teams exchanging leads throughout. GCU’s defensive tenacity and strategic plays in the final minutes were pivotal in securing the narrow victory.
Post-Game Celebrations
Following the championship win, the team celebrated exuberantly. A video capturing Coach Miller receiving an ice bath in the locker room went viral, amassing over 1.2 million views. Miller described the experience as “freezing…but worth it,” reflecting the team’s elation and camaraderie.
Looking Ahead
With the WAC championship secured, GCU is set to make its inaugural appearance in the NCAA Tournament. The team’s exceptional season performance positions them as a formidable contender, and fans eagerly anticipate their tournament journey.
