Arizona players thank GCU Havocs for support in Phoenix

PHOENIX — Behind one basket during Arizona’s game against No. 7 Texas A&M Tuesday night in Phoenix, seats began to fill with Grand Canyon University students.

In game two of the Valley of the Sun Shootout, the ‘Lopes would take on St. John’s, so the GCU Havocs student section showed up early.

In doing so, they just so happened to land on the side of the basket where the Aggies would shoot their free throws in the second half of a close game.

Anyone who has seen the GCU Havocs up close knows they aren’t going to just sit down and watch the game in silence, even if their team isn’t playing.

So, showing some support for another university in the state, they made noise and did their signature free-throw distractions for A&M’s free throws.

Arizona’s players appreciated the gesture in a close game late when free throws played a large factor in the outcome.

Good team win! Talking Stick Arena felt like McKale tonight. Also, a huge thanks to the GCU fans tonight. Big time support from them. #BearDown

— Dušan Ristić (@ristic_dusan) December 6, 2017

We appreciate the GCU fans that helped the Arizona fans help us get this Win tonight! Respect ✊🏽❤️

— Keanu Pinder (@KeanuPinder28) December 6, 2017

Shout out to the @GCUHavocs for your support! Good Luck against St. John’s. #ArizonaPride

— Arizona Basketball (@APlayersProgram) December 6, 2017

When asked after the game of the student section, Arizona head coach Sean Miller said it’s the only opposing fans he’s actually heard at McKale Center in Tucson in his nine years when they played last year.

That’s not to say, though, that the Havocs were all decked out in red and blue for the Wildcats.

But there were a few Arizona fans who showed their appreciation.

Always room for more #LopesUp around here. pic.twitter.com/dhg7s1vkFH

— GCU Lopes (@GCU_Lopes) December 6, 2017

During Arizona’s traditional chant that ends in a “U of A!” chant, the Havocs did their own dueling GCU version. In no surprise, they matched and sometimes were even louder than an arena full of Wildcat fans.

And when Arizona finally headed off the court, it was all GCU.

We’ve got a sea of @GCU_Lopes tonight at #TSRArena for the Valley of the Sun Shootout! pic.twitter.com/VYNgyVx3sQ

— TSR Arena (@TSRarena) December 6, 2017

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