GCU Impresses in Win Over Northern Colorado

Monday, December 21

Phoenix, Ariz.

1:30 p.m.

Grand Canyon

6-7

Northern Colorado

5-5

Grand Canyon

12/21/2015 3:45:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

By: Steven Gonzalez

PHOENIX – Before the Grand Canyon women's basketball team headed home for Christmas, head coach Trent May's squad hosted Northern Colorado (5-4) and the Lopes were able to shoot 51 percent from the field to defeat the Bears 69-59. Grand Canyon was able to get back to its winning ways behind Jessica Gajewski and Cheyenne Hedrington combining for 36 of GCU's 69 points.

"There was a great attention to detail today and I am proud of the way our girls responded after Saturday's game," May said. "They shot a lot of three-pointers but with long three's come long rebounds and we were able to keep our energy up throughout the game."

Northern Colorado went into the game averaging 65.7 points per game and 16.3 assists as a team and the Lopes' defense was able to hold them to 59 points and just 11 assists for the game.

It was a back-and-forth first half as the game saw seven lead changes with the game being tied at five different stages. GCU shot 53.3 percent in the first quarter to take a 19-14 lead over Northern Colorado. The Bears looked to score from the three-point line attempting 22 three-pointers in the first half. Northern Colorado would outscore the Lopes 17-13 in the second quarter but Gajewski's first half shooting gave GCU the slim 32-31 lead over the Bears heading into halftime. GCU was able to outrebound Northern Colorado 21-12 in the first 20 minutes led by Hedrington with five boards.

Grand Canyon brought the defense to start the second half not allowing Northern Colorado to score from the 9:19 mark until 5:05 left in the third quarter to go on an 8-0 run. Hedrington joined Gajewski in double-figures with 15 points along with nine rebounds. Julieh Clark provided a spark off the bench, recording a career-high nine rebounds while adding nine points. GCU was able to outscore Northern Colorado 16-11 and in the fourth quarter, GCU was able to control possession and outscore the Bears 21-17 for their first double-digit victory since Dec. 5 against Air Force. GCU's 51 percent field goal percentage was the second highest percentage this season for the Lopes as GCU shot 53 percent against Abilene Christian.

"We did a good job of not settling for shots,' May said. "We were able to run our offense and finding the open people at the right time."

Grand Canyon will be back in action on Wednesday, Dec. 30, as they host San Diego Christian. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. at GCU Arena.