Nevada Pulls Off 84-80 Thriller Against GCU In Quarterfinal

Nevada advances to the semifinals after a close win over Grand Canyon University

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:03am

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Nevada was able to push past a hostile environment and pull off an 84-80 win over Grand Canyon University in a thrilling quarterfinal matchup of the Mountain West Tournament. The game was a back-and-forth affair with a record 86 free throw attempts, as Nevada overcame an early deficit to advance to the semifinals.

Why it matters

This was a crucial win for Nevada, as they were able to defeat one of the top teams in the conference on the road despite facing a raucous home crowd. The victory keeps Nevada's tournament hopes alive as they advance to the semifinals to face the top-seeded Utah State Aggies.

The details

Nevada trailed by as many as 7 points in the first half, but fought back to take the lead early in the second half. The game remained close throughout, with Nevada holding a slim lead in the final minutes. Corey Camper Jr. led Nevada with 12 first-half points and made a key dunk late in the game to help seal the victory. There were a total of 41 fouls called in the game, resulting in 86 free throw attempts, a Mountain West Tournament record.

  • The game was played on March 13, 2026.
  • Nevada will face Utah State in the semifinals on March 15, 2026 at 6:30 PM PST.

The players

Corey Camper Jr.

A Nevada player who led the team with 12 points in the first half and made a key dunk late in the game to help secure the victory.

Vaughn Weems

A Nevada player who made a crucial layup to give Nevada the lead early in the second half.

Steve Alford

The head coach of the Nevada Wolf Pack, who expressed his preference for high-scoring, foul-filled games.

Makaih Williams

A Grand Canyon University player who hit a 3-pointer late in the game to cut Nevada's lead to one point.

Kaleb Lowery

A Nevada player who hit a 3-pointer to give Nevada a 4-point lead late in the game.

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What they’re saying

“My teammates trusted me and Vaughn. When things aren't going our way, we rely on each other and Vaughn was out here with offensive boards, just trusting this man right here when it comes down to the final seconds.”

— Corey Camper Jr., Nevada Player

“It puts a smile on. I love it when it comes down to free throws, I'm old school and I don't want to get rid of the foul shot.”

— Steve Alford, Nevada Head Coach

“Peyton White's dunk was better.”

— Corey Camper Jr., Nevada Player

What’s next

Nevada will play the No. 1 seed Utah State Aggies in the semifinals on March 15, 2026 at 6:30 PM PST. It will be another hostile environment, as Utah State fans travelled well to the tournament.

The takeaway

This thrilling victory over a conference rival in a hostile environment showcases Nevada's resilience and ability to win close games, setting them up for a tough semifinal matchup against the top-seeded Utah State Aggies as they continue their quest for a Mountain West Tournament championship.