By SAM LANCE
It was an ugly ending to Grand Canyon’s 89-74 win over UT-Arlington to secure the WAC title.
After Grand Canyon junior guard Collin Moore threw down a dunk with 2.9 second left, UT-Arlington took offense and retaliated. Junior guard Phillip Russell shoulder-checked Moore after the play and the inbounder, senior guard Akili Vining, threw the ball at him.
Technicals were assessed on Russell and Vining, and Grand Canyon made 3-of-4 free throws to end the game. Redshirt freshman forward Derrick Michael Xzavierro of Grand Canyon was also ejected for leaving the Grand Canyon bench after the throw by Vining.
The win punches Grand Canyon’s ticket to a third NCAA Tournament in four years under Bryce Drew, the brother of Baylor head coach Scott Drew. The Antelopes have yet to secure an NCAA Tournament win under Drew, however, losing to Iowa 86-74 in 2021 and 82-70 to Gonzaga last year. Senior guard Tyon-Grant Foster led Grand Canyon with 22 points in the title game. It’s a special moment for him to be playing — and leading — a team to March Madness.Drama at the end of the WAC final.
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) March 17, 2024
With GCU up late and time about to expire, Collin Moore dunks. UTA's Phillip Russell runs up and bodychecks Moore, while Akili Vining threw the ball at him. pic.twitter.com/Ag5vySZK8D
Currently, ESPN’s Joe Lunardi has Grand Canyon (29-4) as a No. 12 seed. Follow Sam Lance on Twitter Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter Follow ZAGSBLOGHoops on Instagram And Like ZAGS on FacebookTyon Grant-Foster will be in the NCAA Tournament. His game-high 22 points helps Grand Canyon defeat UT Arlington, 89-74, to secure the WAC Tournament title.
— Sam Lance (@slancehoops) March 17, 2024
From near-death to leading a team to March Madness. Remarkable story.
