Phoenix, AZ, January 22, 2026
Grand Canyon University’s Men’s Basketball team achieved a nail-biting 70-69 win against Mountain West leader San Diego State, significantly intensifying the conference race. This marked San Diego State’s first conference loss of the season, showcasing GCU’s competitive spirit and commitment to excellence. Junior guard Makaih Williams clinched the win with critical free throws in the closing moments. As GCU’s prominence in collegiate athletics rises, the victory reflects the university’s substantial economic impact on the Phoenix community.
Phoenix, AZ —
Lopes’ Clutch Victory Ignites Mountain West Title Chase
Grand Canyon University’s Men’s Basketball team delivered a thrilling 70-69 victory over Mountain West leader San Diego State on Wednesday night at a packed Global Credit Union Arena, dramatically tightening the conference race. This win marks San Diego State’s first Mountain West loss of the season and underscores GCU’s rising prominence in collegiate athletics.
The Lopes, now boasting a 12-6 overall record and 5-2 in Mountain West play, are now within a single game in the loss column of the Aztecs (13-5, 7-1 MW). This crucial win follows an impressive upset of No. 23 Utah State, showcasing the Lopes’ competitive spirit and the fervent home crowd known as “The Havocs.” Junior guard Makaih Williams secured the win with tying and go-ahead free throws in the final seconds, cementing a significant moment in the program’s history.
Phoenix’s Growing Sports Landscape and Economic Ripple
The success of Grand Canyon University athletics, exemplified by this pivotal victory, extends beyond the basketball court, contributing significantly to the economic and community fabric of Phoenix, AZ. GCU’s operations, including its athletic programs, are reported to generate an annual economic output of $2.8 billion for Arizona, supporting over 21,000 full-time equivalent jobs across the state.
The university’s presence has spurred local revitalization efforts, with a 2015 study indicating that GCU adds approximately $1 billion to the state’s economy annually. The areas surrounding the university have experienced a reported 30% increase in housing values and a 30% decrease in crime rates by February 2017. This demonstrates the positive externalities that robust private institutions, like GCU, can generate through strategic investment and community engagement, fostering both athletic excellence and local prosperity. The Global Credit Union Arena itself, a 7,000-seat multi-purpose facility, serves as a hub for university and community events, providing a definitive home-court advantage for the Lopes since its opening in 2011.
University Initiatives and Private Sector Support for Athletic Success
Grand Canyon University’s athletic achievements are a testament to its institutional commitment and a model of how university programs, often bolstered by private investment and community collaboration, can achieve remarkable success. GCU became a member of the Mountain West Conference on July 8, 2025, a year ahead of its anticipated 2026 departure, after a successful 12-year tenure in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).
During its time in the WAC, GCU was the conference’s most successful athletics program, securing seven Commissioner’s Cups since 2017 and 76 conference championships. The university’s men’s basketball team has made four NCAA Division I Tournament appearances since transitioning to Division I in 2013-14, most recently in 2025. Coach Bryce Drew, in his fifth season, has led the Antelopes to these four tournament appearances, showcasing consistent competitive growth.
The university’s growth from fewer than 1,000 students in 2008 to nearly 25,000 in 2024-25 highlights its expansion, which includes significant investment in campus infrastructure. This growth reflects a broader trend in college sports where strategic funding, including private investment, is becoming increasingly vital for competitive excellence and student-athlete development.
Building Community Through Competition and Enterprise
The Lopes’ recent triumph is more than just a win; it embodies the spirit of competition and collective effort. The team’s “dawg mentality,” as described by Makaih Williams, reflects a disciplined and determined approach to every game, whether home or away. This ethos of self-reliance and aggressive pursuit of goals resonates deeply within the wider community. The electric atmosphere at the Global Credit Union Arena, often packed beyond its 7,000-seat capacity, with the student section “The Havocs” gaining national recognition, illustrates the power of community self-organization and passionate support.
GCU’s commitment to responsible growth extends beyond athletics, with initiatives aimed at revitalizing its inner-city Phoenix neighborhood. The university’s Five-Point Plan focuses on meeting families’ basic needs, improving neighborhoods, and creating educational and high-paying job opportunities. This includes business enterprises launched by GCU, providing employment and management opportunities for graduates and local residents, further stimulating the economy of west Phoenix.
Next Steps for the Lopes and the Community
The Grand Canyon University Men’s Basketball team, riding high on their latest victory, will face Mountain West road games at Fresno State on Saturday and at Nevada on Tuesday, carrying renewed confidence into a tightening conference race. These upcoming games represent further opportunities for the Lopes to demonstrate their competitive initiative and continue their upward trajectory in collegiate basketball. Grand Canyon, New Mexico, and UNLV are all 5-2 in MW play, with Utah State and Nevada at 6-2, all just one loss behind San Diego State’s 7-1 record in the 20-game conference season.
The successes of GCU athletics serve as a powerful reminder of how dedication, strategic investment, and community engagement can foster excellence and create tangible benefits for an entire region. Residents of Phoenix and across Arizona are encouraged to continue supporting these student-athletes and the broader university initiatives that contribute to the vitality and growth of our state. Engagement in local university athletics is not merely about cheering for a team; it is an investment in the values of hard work, competition, and community self-improvement that define our collective success.
FAQ Section
Q: What was the final score of the Grand Canyon University vs. San Diego State basketball game?
A: The final score was Grand Canyon University 70, San Diego State 69.
Q: When did the game take place?
A: The game took place on Wednesday night, January 21, 2026.
Q: Who were the top scorers for Grand Canyon University in the game against San Diego State?
A: Makaih Williams and Jaden Henley each scored a team-high 17 points for Grand Canyon University.
Q: What is the current conference record for Grand Canyon University Men’s Basketball?
A: Grand Canyon University currently holds a 5-2 record in Mountain West play.
Q: What is the capacity of the Global Credit Union Arena?
A: The Global Credit Union Arena has a seating capacity of 7,000.
Q: How many NCAA Division I Tournament appearances has GCU Men’s Basketball made?
A: Grand Canyon University Men’s Basketball has made four NCAA Division I Tournament appearances, most recently in 2025.
Feature Table: Grand Canyon University Men’s Basketball Highlights
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Recent Notable Win | 70-69 victory over San Diego State (Jan. 21, 2026) |
| Current Conference Record (MW) | 5-2 |
| Overall Record | 12-6 |
| Key Player (vs. SDSU) | Makaih Williams (17 points, tying/go-ahead free throws) |
| Home Arena Capacity | 7,000 (Global Credit Union Arena) |
| NCAA D-I Tournament Appearances | 4 (since 2013-14, most recently 2025) |
| Economic Impact (AZ) | $2.8 Billion annual economic output for Arizona |
| Jobs Supported (AZ) | 21,248 full-time equivalent jobs locally and throughout Arizona |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
University of Arizona Wildcats Reveal 2026 Football Schedule
Xander Schauffele to Compete in the WM Phoenix Open
Arizona State Women’s Basketball Faces West Virginia in Big 12 Showdown
Arizona State Men’s Basketball at a Crossroads
GCU Men’s Basketball Upsets No. 23 Utah State
Arizona’s Business Horizon: Leaders and Innovators Shaping the Future
Arizona Athletics: Rising Talent and Economic Impact
Navigating Economic Headwinds: Phoenix Metro’s Shifting Consumer Confidence
Arrest Made in Fatal Shooting Outside Phoenix QuikTrip
University of Arizona Men’s Tennis Team Faces Tough Opener
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
