Women's Hoops Drops Opener of Gulf Coast Showcase to Mississippi State

Friday, November 29

Estero, FL

4 p.m.

Grand Canyon

5-1

Mississippi State

6-0

Grand Canyon

Mississippi State

Judy Jones

Photo by: Darryl Webb

Women's Hoops Drops Opener of Gulf Coast Showcase to Mississippi State

11/29/2013 6:36:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

Judy Jones collects third double-double of the season

In a showdown between two undefeated teams sporting identical 5-0 records on the opening day of the Gulf Coast Showcase, the Grand Canyon University women's basketball team (5-1) dropped a close 71-62 game to Mississippi State (6-0) at the Germain Arena in Estero, Florida. The Bulldogs are members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

There were seven tied scores and six lead changes throughout the tightly-contested game.

For the contest, Mississippi State shot 50.9 percent (29-for-57) while the Antelopes posted a 37.7 mark (20-for-53). GCU made 18 of their 23 free throws and held the significant advantage in rebounds, 40-27. The Bulldogs forced 21 GCU turnovers, resulting in 28 points for Mississippi State.

"Tonight was a night where I felt like we left some things on the floor and didn't capitalize on some opportunities," said head coach Trent May. "We did a good job on the boards and held one of their best shooters to zero points, but we couldn't turn the corner in the second half. They had 28 points off turnovers. I thought we did a decent job taking care of the ball, but each turnover was costly. And their bench play was a huge asset for them tonight, as they scored 27 of their points."

Judy Jones paced the 'Lopes with her third double-double of the year, collecting 18 points and 11 rebounds. Kaitlyn Petersen and Deanna Daniels added 14 and 13 points, respectively.

"We have balance scoring and it is nice to have a few different people that can have a big game," added May.

The first half went back and forth, as neither team led by more than six points. Down 16-10 with 9:16 remaining in the half, the 'Lopes used an 8-2 run to knot the game at 18 over the next three minutes. Johnna Brown sparked the run, scoring five of those points for GCU.

GCU built a 29-22 lead at the 3:39 mark, but Mississippi State outscored the 'Lopes 11-2 for the remainder of the half to take a 33-31 lead into the break. GCU shot 38.1 percent from the field (8-for-21) in the first half, led by Petersen's eight points, while holding the advantage in rebounds, 18-12.

The 'Lopes built an early 41-38 lead in the first two minutes of the second half, highlighted by Petersen draining two three-pointers during the 10-5 run. However, the Bulldogs scored 12 unanswered points and reclaimed the 50-41 advantage with 13:47 on the clock.

Mississippi State saw their first double-digit lead of the game (57-47) with just over 10 minutes to play. After building that advantage to a game-high 13 points with 4:56 to play, the 'Lopes went on a 7-0 run to pull within six (66-60) with two minutes remaining. They also trailed by six at 68-62 before the Bulldogs scored the final three points of the contest.

The 'Lopes will next face the loser of the James Madison versus UCLA game, which is currently underway. That game is slated for a 12:30 p.m. (Arizona time) tip tomorrow.

"Because we are not deep, we have to get rest and save our energy for tomorrow," May said. "When it is time to play, we have to fight. We have played a lot of games recently, and it doesn't matter who we play, they are going to be a tough opponent. It will be a gut check when the ball goes up."

MSU 71, GCU 62