Hall of Famer Charles Barkley vehemently criticized GCU’s 2nd game plan during their disappointing loss to Alabama in the Round of 32.
Entering the second half with an eight-point deficit, the Lopes managed to claw their way back, seizing the lead at approximately the six-minute mark. However, their advantage was short-lived; Alabama quickly regained control, embarking on a decisive 17-3 run to secure the victory.
GCU’s shooting woes were evident, particularly from three-point range, where they converted a mere two of 20 attempts. The second half saw them fail to make any of their eight attempts from beyond the arc, with most shots being heavily contested.
Barkley, in his post-game commentary on CBS, highlighted the Lopes’ lack of tactical execution. With only five assists recorded, GCU seemed to abandon any semblance of a coherent game plan, resorting to hasty drives to the basket in critical moments.
Labeling it “the dumbest game of basketball” he has ever witnessed, Barkley expressed disbelief at the team’s second-half performance. “Grand Canyon, that was the dumbest game of basketball I think I may have ever seen… I don’t think they ran a play the entire second half… They just went 1-on-1 every single time… 5 whole assists? We’ve got a crack staff if they found 5 passes,” he lamented.
Despite the disappointing exit, the season remains a historic milestone for the Lopes, who celebrated their first-ever March Madness victory.
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