The 2022 WAC Men’s Basketball Tournament tips off on Tuesday night in Las Vegas.
Grand Canyon won’t start playing until the “second round” of the tournament on Thursday at 6 p.m., though, which is actually the third day of games for the tourney.
GCU finished the regular season with a 22-7 overall record while going 13-5 to finish fourth in the Western Atheltic Conference.
As the No. 4 seed, the ‘Lopes get a bye to the final six teams of the WAC Tournament, which will give them a rest advantage of one or two days depending on the opponent.
No. 8 seed California Baptist and No. 9 seed UT Rio Grande Valley tip off the tourney at 6 p.m. on Tuesday in the opening round, with the winner slated to play No. 5 seed Sam Houston in the first round on Wednesday at 6 p.m.
The winner of Wednesday’s contest against Sam Houston will play No. 4 seed GCU in the second round on Thursday at 6 p.m. The ‘Lopes split with Sam Houston on the season, falling 58-56 on the road on Jan. 22 before winning 67-41 at home on Feb. 26.
Should Grand Canyon advance, the ‘Lopes will play No. 1 seed New Mexico State in the semifinals at 6 p.m. on Friday. GCU was swept by New Mexico State this season, dropping Jan. 29’s contest on the road 71-61 before falling at home 82-66 on Feb. 19.
And if the ‘Lopes were to win their first two games of the tourney, they would play in the WAC Tournament championship game on Saturday at 7 p.m.
The other side of the bracket sees No. 2 seed Seattle, No. 3 seed Stephen F. Austin and No. 6 seed Abilene Christian all awaiting the winner of No. 7 seed Utah Valley vs. No. 19 Chicago State in the opening-round matchup.
The WAC Tournament champion will clinch an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament, which GCU did last year as regular-season conference champions as well.