Antelopes Up Mark to 4-0 With Win Over Abilene Christian

Sunday, November 24

Denton, TX

2 p.m.

Grand Canyon

4-2

Abilene Christian

4-0

ACU

Grand Canyon

Justine Johnson had six assists and five steals, both game highs, in GCU's 70-57 win over Abilene Christian.

Photo by: Darryl Webb

Antelopes Up Mark to 4-0 With Win Over Abilene Christian

11/24/2013 5:03:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

Grand Canyon improved to 4-0 on the season with a 70-57 victory over Abilene Christian in the Hospitality Hill Challenge at the University of North Texas, Sunday.

The Antelopes went 2-0 in the Challenge and will be co-champions of the event with host North Texas.

Judy Jones had 19 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Antelopes.

"It was a good performance again by the team," said coach Trent May. "And, it's good to have different players have strong performances on a given night. Tonight, Judy Jones was one of those players."

Grand Canyon led comfortably much of the contest, taking a 39-25 lead into the half. Kaitlyn Petersen, who tied a career-high with 17 points, hit a 3-pointer to break a 6-6 tie at the 17:29 mark to give GCU the lead for good.

The Antelopes outscored the Wildcats 19-9 in the final 10 minutes of the first half. Six different players scored, led by Deanna Daniels, who had six of her 15 during the stretch. Three GCU newcomers added to the scoring column during the run. Freshmen Tori Morris and Astrea Reed and sophomore Madison Craig each had a field goal. Petersen took advantage of Abilene Christian's foul trouble and added five points on free throws, she was 7-for-9 at the stripe for the game. Johnna Brown had a bucket to start the stretch and give the 'Lopes a 22-16 lead.

GCU shot 53.6 percent from the field in the first half and extended the lead to 23 in the second.

"We shot the ball well, but there are still areas to improve on. I thought it was a good showing and complete game," added May.

Daniels, who hit her first two 3-point field goals of the season, added three more steals to her team-best 15 (3.8 per game) through four games. "She had a real gritty performance today," said May.

For the third time in four games, Grand Canyon helped force 20-plus turnovers, as Abilene Christian had 23. ACU had been averaging over 11 made three-pointers and 36 treys attempted per game prior to today. Against GCU, the Wildcats were 5-for-19
(26.3 percent).

Though she didn't score, senior guard Justine Johnson was a "big contributor," said May. She finished with six assists and five steals, both game-highs, and no turnovers.

Off the bench in 19 minutes of play, Jasmine Grayson had five rebounds, two points, one block and one steal. Five subs scored and four had rebounds. "We really had a strong performance from our bench," said May. "The rest of the cast did a good job from the defensive side, offensive side and with timely buckets."

GCU takes on North Texas 4 p.m. (Arizona Time) Tuesday. Links to live stats and live video (subscription required) will be available at www.gculopes.com.

"(It's good to be 4-0), especially having our first D-I tournament and being on the road. We're going to be co-champions in this tournament and that's what we had hoped to do," said May.

GCU 70, ACU 57