Phoenix, AZ, January 4, 2026
The Grand Canyon University men’s basketball team put up a strong fight in their Mountain West home debut against Colorado State, though they ultimately fell 70-60. This game marked the Lopes’ first home contest in the Mountain West, showcasing their resilience despite a challenging second half. The impressive turnout of 7,332 fans highlighted the community’s support as GCU continues its journey in a new conference, aiming for ongoing improvement and success.
Phoenix, AZ — The Grand Canyon University (GCU) men’s basketball team returned to the court after a 12-day break, demonstrating resilience in their Mountain West home debut despite a 70-60 loss to Colorado State on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Global Credit Union Arena. The highly anticipated matchup saw the Lopes battle tough in front of an overflow crowd of 7,332 fans, marking their second home defeat of the season.
The game, GCU’s first Mountain West home contest, was characterized by a challenging second half where Colorado State mounted a decisive 21-2 run. This surge proved to be the turning point, allowing the Rams to establish a lead that the Lopes, despite a late push, could not overcome.
Phoenix’s Thriving Sports Landscape
The presence of Grand Canyon University’s athletics programs significantly contributes to Phoenix’s vibrant sports landscape and economic vitality. GCU is recognized as an anchor institution in West Phoenix, generating substantial economic output and supporting numerous jobs. According to a study, GCU and its partners created an economic impact of $2.1 billion in fiscal year 2020, supporting 17,690 jobs. More recent figures from August 2025 indicate GCU’s presence in the Phoenix community supports 21,248 full-time equivalent jobs locally and throughout Arizona, with an annual economic output of $2.8 billion.
GCU’s commitment to its Phoenix location extends beyond the arena, with initiatives designed to integrate the university deeply within the community. The “GCU in the Heart of Phoenix” campaign, launched to highlight the university’s connection to its home city, showcases the diverse nature of its athletes and sports, centered within Phoenix. This engagement fosters a sense of local pride and provides accessible, family-friendly entertainment for residents.
Commitment to Excellence and Growth
Grand Canyon University, led by sixth-year head coach Bryce Drew, has established a culture of athletic success, transitioning to the Mountain West Conference for the 2025-26 season after 12 years in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). During its time in the WAC, GCU was the conference’s most successful athletics program, securing the WAC Commissioner’s Cup seven times since 2017 and claiming 76 conference championships. The men’s basketball team notably achieved a three-peat WAC Tournament championship in March 2025, earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
The university’s growth is also evident in its infrastructure and financial model. GCU has invested $1.9 billion into its academic infrastructure over the past 17 years, including new athletic venues, without increasing tuition costs on its Phoenix campus. This strategic investment demonstrates a dedication to responsible growth and providing top-tier facilities for its student-athletes and the community.
The Spirit of Competition and Perseverance
Saturday’s contest against Colorado State, which saw four Rams starters score in double figures, exemplified the competitive challenges inherent in collegiate athletics. Carey Booth led Colorado State with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Despite the loss, the Lopes’ determination to rally from a 25-point deficit highlighted their perseverance. This commitment to competitive sports, where teams face strong opponents and strive for continuous improvement, is a cornerstone of the athletic program and a reflection of the values championed by the university.
GCU’s athletic department operates under the “five Cs” philosophy: Community, Continuous Improvement, Collaboration, Christian Leadership, and Championships. These pillars emphasize not only winning but also the personal development and character-building aspects of sports, fostering a spirit of initiative and self-reliance among student-athletes.
Engaging the Community: A Local Nexus
Grand Canyon University’s engagement with the local community is a defining characteristic of its mission. Through various outreach programs, GCU students, staff, and alumni volunteer their time and service for campus neighbors. In the 2023-24 school year, GCU dedicated 3,200 community service hours, a 34% improvement from 2021-22. These efforts include partnerships with organizations such as St. Mary’s Food Bank, where 459 service hours were dedicated to helping low-income families in nine Arizona counties.
The university also collaborates with CityServe, distributing over $15.3 million in household goods to more than 74,500 local families as of January 2025. Furthermore, GCU actively participates in neighborhood revitalization efforts, including home renovations in partnership with Habitat for Humanity and community safety initiatives with Phoenix Police.
These initiatives underscore the university’s role as a vital community partner, leveraging private initiative and voluntary action to uplift its surrounding areas, exemplifying a model of self-reliance and local support.
Conclusion
The Grand Canyon University men’s basketball team’s recent performance against Colorado State, while a setback, underscores the relentless pursuit of excellence and the competitive spirit that defines GCU athletics. As the Lopes continue their inaugural season in the Mountain West Conference, their journey reflects not just athletic ambition, but also the broader impact of a thriving university committed to its community and the principles of responsible growth. Phoenix residents are encouraged to continue supporting GCU’s student-athletes and their programs, recognizing the positive contributions they make to the city’s culture, economy, and community well-being. Engage with GCU athletics and witness firsthand the spirit of competition and service that enriches our local landscape. Keywords: Grand Canyon University AZ athletics, Phoenix AZ sports, college basketball Phoenix, GCU Lopes, WAC champions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When did GCU men’s basketball play Colorado State?
A: GCU men’s basketball played Colorado State on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
Q: What was the final score of the GCU vs. Colorado State game?
A: Colorado State defeated GCU 70-60.
Q: Where was the game played?
A: The game was played at Global Credit Union Arena in Phoenix, Arizona.
Q: What conference is GCU men’s basketball now a part of?
A: GCU men’s basketball is now a member of the Mountain West Conference.
Q: What is the economic impact of GCU in Phoenix?
A: GCU and its partners created an economic impact of $2.1 billion in fiscal year 2020. As of August 2025, GCU’s operations support 21,248 full-time equivalent jobs and generate $2.8 billion in annual economic output in Arizona.
Q: How many community service hours did GCU dedicate in 2023-24?
A: GCU dedicated 3,200 community service hours during the 2023-24 school year.
Grand Canyon University Men’s Basketball Recent Game Summary
| Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | January 3, 2026 |
| Opponent | Colorado State |
| Location | Global Credit Union Arena, Phoenix, AZ |
| Final Score | Colorado State 70, GCU 60 |
| Attendance | 7,332 |
| GCU Season Record (Overall) | 8-5 |
| GCU Season Record (Mountain West) | 1-1 |
| Key Opponent Player (Colorado State) | Carey Booth (19 points, 12 rebounds) |
| Conference Affiliation | Mountain West Conference |
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