GCU Continues Winning Streak at Home

Saturday, February 19

GCU

3:00 p.m.

Grand Canyon

22-2, 10-1

Hawai'i at Hilo

9-12, 5-8

Hawai'i-Hilo

Grand Canyon

Rosalyn Nelson had nine points, eight assists and five steals in Saturday's win over Hawaii-Hilo.

2/19/2011 7:55:19 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

Seniors' Early Play Keys Win

By: Steve Heath

Grand Canyon celebrated Senior Day and Homecoming with a 77-54 Pacific West Conference win over Hawai’i-Hilo at Antelope Gymnasium Saturday.

The nation’s leading scorer, GCU senior Samantha Murphy, scored 25 points, including 12-of-12 from the free-throw line. Freshman Maylinn Smith added 16 points. Senior Katie Johnson had 11 points and seven rebounds. Senior Rosalyn Nelson had nine points, eight assists and five steals. Jallisa Butler had 11 rebounds.

Ranked No. 10 in the USA Today/ESPN Division II Coaches Top 25 poll and No. 5 in the West Region, GCU extended its homecourt winning streak to 14 games and single-season home victory record to 13.

The Antelopes, tied for first in the PacWest, improved to 22-2 overall and 10-1 in the conference.

“I think this was our night,” said Nelson, whose eight assists (504) put her over the 500-mark for her career.

The seniors got involved early. On the game’s first possession and right before the shot clock buzzer, senior guard Kristi Girdley found classmate Johnson for a short jumper to get the ‘Lopes out to a 2-0 lead. GCU hit its first five field-goal attempts. Murphy followed with a 3-pointer. Nelson hit two free throws. Johnson scored again, this time on a pass from Murphy. Girdley and Johnson hit the next two shots for a 13-5 advantage.

“It was neat to have our seniors start tonight and get off on the right foot and come out with a lot of energy," said GCU coach Trent May. "They're all capable. This was a good night for our program and to celebrate our seniors."

Hilo cut GCU’s lead to 15-13, but the Antelopes followed with the next eight points and by halftime led 44-26.

Murphy continued to close in on the 2,000-point mark. She has 1,968 heading into Monday’s final home game of the season and at Antelope Gymnasium. GCU will take on Notre Dame de Namur at 5 p.m. Next season, GCU will play at its new 5,000-seat, on-campus facility, Grand Canyon University Arena.

With Nelson’s nine points, she is 13 points away (1,487) from the 1,500-point mark.

Box Score