GCU shows positive signs at U of A

Tuesday, November 2

Tucson, AZ

7:00 p.m.

Grand Canyon

University of Arizona (exhibition)

Sophomore Jazmyn Foster dribbles out of traffic in Tuesday's GCU-Arizona game at McKale Center in Tucson.

11/3/2010 6:20:08 PM | Women's Basketball

Murphy goes for game-high 23

In its first of two exhibition games against Division I opponents, Grand Canyon lost to Arizona 90-56 at McKale Center Tuesday.

Grand Canyon senior guard Samantha Murphy (Phoenix, AZ, Xavier Prep), the program’s all-time leading scorer and reigning Pacific West Conference Player of the Year, had a game-high 23 points on 8-of-16 shooting from the field (3-of-6 from 3-point range) and 4-of-5 free throws.

“Sam wanted to be the best player on the floor (Tuesday) and, in my opinion, she was,” said GCU coach Trent May.

The score wasn’t completely indicative of the Antelopes play. Arizona jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first 1:09 and outscored the ‘Lopes 11-2 in the final 2:21.

In the second half, GCU went on a 17-7 run. During the double-digit run against its Pac-10 foe, Grand Canyon got scoring contributions from six different players. Veterans Murphy and senior guard Kristi Girdley (Aliso Viejo, CA, Aliso Niguel) along with newcomers Stevie Kamp (Mesa, Ariz., Mountain View, Nova Southeastern), Jallisa Butler (Las Vegas, Nev., Cimarron, Barstow CC), Jenna Pearson (Gilbert, Ariz., Gilbert Christian) and Maylinn Smith (Gilbert, Ariz., Mesquite) all had two points or more each. Senior point guard Rosalyn Nelson (Phoenix, AZ, Deer Valley), the school’s all-time leader in assists and steals, had two assists and junior center Joslynn Frazier (Sacramento, Calif., Burbank, College of Canyons) had an assist.

“It’s always a great experience to play down there and I appreciate (Arizona) coach (Niya) Butts giving us the opportunity,” said May.

“Frazier finished with a team-high seven rebounds. Nelson had six points, two assists, two blocks and two steals. Kim Young (Glendale, AZ, Glendale, Scottsdale CC) also had two blocks.

Grand Canyon will travel to UNLV Nov. 8. The regular season opens at the Disney Classic in Anaheim, Calif. The ‘Lopes will play three games in three days, beginning Nov. 12 against Texas Woman’s University.

Box Score