GCU Today April Digital Issue 2018

1 8 • GCU MAGAZ I NE deserve it. You worked really hard so have fun.” He draws up the Lopes’ first play, adding, “Josh (Braun), go to work.” GCU fans fill the section behind the bench. Havocs take over the baseline bleachers. Braun scores on the first play and the Lopes leap to a 27-9 start. Majerle claps and yells at the Havocs as Lever makes three consecutive 3-pointers. Majerle sweats through his shirt, expending the emotion and energy of a 40-minute player. GCU wins 72-56 with exceptional defense against the WAC’s top offense. “We’re going to the ’ship!” the Havocs chant before Majerle enters their celebration. With arms around each other, Braun and Vernon walk down an arena hall. “I love you,” Braun says. “I love you, too,” Vernon says. “One more.” Saturday The “business trip” atmosphere continues for a championship-day shootaround at a local high school. There is levity when the team cheers Lee’s return from the restroom, but focus quickly returns. “We’ve waited five years for this,” Majerle says. “Be prepared.” Eight hours later, the Lopes sit in an arc of chairs before a game that could put them in the NCAA tournament. Their opponent, New Mexico State, beat GCU twice during the season, but each loss felt like a win that got away. “After we score on that …” Majerle says about an opening play. GCU has won five in a row and has reached the championship of its first WAC Tournament. “Honest to God, you guys are already rock stars,” Majerle says. On national television, the Lopes grind defensively to lead for most of the first 16 minutes. The Aggies catch rhythm, overtake GCU and win 72-58. The postgame locker room is as silent as a grave with players’ heads buried in their hands. “You should be proud,” Majerle says. “You had a good year.” Vernon and Lever head for the press conference with Lever pulling Vernon’s head to his chest. An official delays them with the trophy ceremony within earshot and visible on a nearby laptop. Majerle paces. Vernon sits on the floor. Lever covers his face. As Majerle predicted, it was tough. “It just wasn’t our time,” Majerle says. “It just wasn’t our time” —Dan Majerle Coach DanMajerle consoles Casey Benson in the final moments of the Lopes’ loss to NewMexico State in theWAC final. photo by travis neely