Lopes conclude 2016 at Chaminade on New Years Eve

Saturday, December 31

Honolulu, HI

2:00 P.M.

Grand Canyon

Chaminade

12/30/2016 11:20:00 AM | Women's Basketball

GCU Game Notes GCU Game Notes GCU Game Notes Chaminade Game Notes Hawai'i Game Notes

By: Imani Suber

SATURDAY, DEC. 31
2:00 p.m. MST \| McCabe Gym \| Honolulu,Hawai'i
GRAND CANYON LOPES 7-5 (0-0 WAC) GAME NOTES	AT	CHAMINADE SILVERSWORDS 1-8 (0-0 PAC WEST) GAME NOTES
HOW TO FOLLOW Radio \| Live Stats \| @GCU_WBB

The Grand Canyon women's basketball program will conclude its slate in Hawai'i as they play former Division II foe Chaminade in a New Years Eve clash. Tip is set for 2 p.m. MST.

In its final game of 2016, GCU will look to bounce back after falling to Hawai'i in a close contest Thursday night.

Last time Out
In a slow opening frame, primarily dominated by stout defense. Both teams struggled to score on offense as the first point didn't come until the 6:55 minute mark when the Rainbow Wahine scored a free throw. The Lopes were able to get in a rhythm after putting together a 5-2 run spearheaded by a Gajewski 10-point performance deep in the first to finish the quarter with a 14-10 lead. For the remaining half GCU maintained control ending the second quarter with a 31-25 lead.

To start the third, Hawai'i came out the gates with a jumper cutting GCU's lead to four at 31-27. Hawai'i came roaring back midway through the third putting together a 13-0 run to take back the lead at 40-33. Gajewski finally ended the 'Bows run by banking a triple at the buzzer to bring GCU back within five at 43-38. The Lopes played with urgency to start the fourth, quickly knocking down a pair of buckets to cut the Bows lead to three. Marcos-Canedo got a free throw opportunity to tie the game up at 43-43 with 5:30 left on the clock. While the Bows nailed a three to take back the lead, Baker hit a crucial jumper to tie the game back up at 45-45. At the 1:52 minute mark, Hawai'i converted a layup to take the slight edge at 47-45. While GCU forced a turnover in the remaining seconds, the Lopes weren't able to convert and failed to force an overtime scenario.

GCU STARTING FIVE

1. Gajewski has been solid for the Lopes over the last five games. Gajewski produced her eighth double-figure performance against Hawai'i with 19 points on the night including 10 points in the first quarter. Gajewski had a double-figure quarter for the second straight contest after achieving the feat against NAU. She is currently averaging 14.4 points per game and has netted 15-plus points in five of her last six games.

2. The Lopes will face former Division II PAC West foe in Chaminade for the 16th time in program history. GCU is undefeated (15-0) against the Silverswords and will meet them for the first time since its transition to Division I play.

3. For the first time this year, GCU had four players pull down six or more boards in a contest. Against Hawai'i, Zelor Massaquoi, Aniya Baker and Laura Marcos-Canedo shared six apiece. Brie Mobley collected a team-leading seven boards on the day. The four combined for 25 of the Lopes 32 rebounds.

4. The Lopes have done well in the turnover category this season. With a 1.7 turnover ratio GCU's defense has caused problems for its opponents. GCU has averaged 15.8 takeaways thus far and has netted 163 points off turnovers this year. At Hawai'i the Lopes force 16 turnovers, netting 11 points off the 'Bows mistakes. GCU currently sits at third in the WAC in the category with 14.7 turnovers to its opponents 15.8.

5. With five Lopes sitting in the top-5 in the WAC in their respective categories and three Lopes leading the conference in scoring, rebounds and assist/turnover ratio, GCU continues to impress on the court. Laramie continues to lead the conference with 20.6 points per game, while Massaquoi has a WAC leading 8.4 boards per game. Marcos-Canedo sits atop the leader boards with a 2.4 assist/turnover ratio allowing just 18 turnovers through 44 assists. Gajewski is second in 3-point field goals made with 26 and 2.6 per game, while Aniya Baker is third with 4.3 assists per game.

Chaminade Notables
Chaminade is currently 1-8 on the year. The Sliverswords lone win came against Hawai'i Hilo (59-54).The 'Swords are currently averaging 60.2 points per game with 36.4 boards per game. Lilia Maio leads Chaminade with 14.0 points per game and 7.4 rebounds per contest.

The 'Swords fell to Hawai'i Hilo last week in a 59-54 finish. After trailing by double-digits for much of the first half, the 'Swords cut the deficit to single digits in the third quarter. Chaminade again rallied after scoring five straight that brought them to 45-43 with 5:49 left but it was as close as they got.

GCU will meet Chaminade for the 16th time in program history. The Lopes hold a 15-0 advantage over their former Division II conference foe. In their last meeting during the 2012-13 season, GCU picked up the win in a 90-48 outcome. This also marks the first meeting since GCU transited to Division I status.

Up Next
The Lopes return to GCU Arena on Wednesday, Jan. 4 to conclude its non-conference slate against Arizona Christian. In their first contest of 2017, tip is set for 7 p.m. MST.