Grand Canyon vs. Alabama: Epic Battle at Spokane Arena

TFD – Prepare for an unforgettable matchup as Grand Canyon faces off against Alabama at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena.

Grand Canyon, ranked as the 12th seed, defeated Saint Mary’s, ranked as the 5th seed, 75-66, to seal the first round of the 2024 men’s NCAA Tournament. Grand Canyon is now the fifth double-digit seed to advance to the second round of March Madness.

With a one-point advantage at the break, the Antelopes greatly extended their lead in the second half, culminating in a 17-1 run that put the score at 17 with twelve minutes remaining. With six minutes remaining, Saint Mary’s managed to pull within five points, but Grand Canyon managed to hold on for the victory.

Since it was the Antelopes’ first-ever victory in a Division I tournament, it was a historic victory.

NCAA Tournament wins with ten-seeds

This weekend, eight double-digit seeds will compete in the second round, following a total of seven “upsets” during the first two days. In March Madness, the NCAA defines an upset as defeating a team whose seed is at least five spots lower. Thus, only a club seeded No. 11 or higher has the potential to pull off a true first-round upset upset. This year’s opening round included seven upsets, up from four the previous year. The double-digit seeds that prevailed in the first round are listed below:

ACCESS THE MADNESS: teams, schedules, scores, and more for NCAA basketball.

• No. 6 BYU is defeated by No. 11 Duquesne.
• No. 6 South Carolina is defeated by No. 11 Oregon.
• No. 3 Kentucky is defeated by No. 14 Oakland.
• No. 6 Texas Tech is defeated by No. 11 NC State.
• No. 4 Auburn falls to No. 13 Yale
• No. 7 Florida is defeated by No. 10 Colorado.
• No. 5 Wisconsin gets defeated by No. 12 James Madison.
• No. 5 Saint Mary’s is defeated by No. 12 Grand Canyon.

History of the Grand Canyon NCAA Tournament

Grand Canyon is making their third appearance in the NCAA Tournament in the last four years and its second consecutive year. However, Friday’s triumph was the school’s first-ever March Madness victory.

After advancing to Division I in 2013, the Antelopes have experienced postseason success in the past. The NAIA national title was won by it in 1978, 1988, and 1975.

Who will Grand Canyon’s next NCAA Tournament opponent be?

On Sunday, Grand Canyon will take on Alabama, the #4 seed. The Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena in Spokane, Washington, will host the game.