GCU sweeps WAC roadtrip, defeats Chicago State

Saturday, February 20

Chicago, Ill.

1 p.m.

Grand Canyon

15-13, 7-5WAC

Chicago State

4-22, 2-10WAC

Grand Canyon

Chicago State

2/20/2016 3:33:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

By: Steven Gonzalez

CHICAGO – In order to pull out its second Western Athletic Conference roadtrip sweep of the season, the Grand Canyon women's basketball team had to knock off a hungry Chicago State team, which was 2-3 in its last five conference games. To close out their final game on the road this season, the Lopes defeated the Cougars 65-60 for their third straight win to improve to 15-13 overall and 7-5 in conference. The win guarantees GCU that it will end the weekend no worse than a tie for third place in the WAC.

"Today's game was a character win for sure," head coach Trent May said. "We did just enough to get the tough road win against hungry, well coached team. They gave us all we wanted."

It was a tight battle throughout the game but the Lopes shot the ball consistently well all game. There were five lead changes throughout the game but GCU held the lead for 68 percent of the game. Jessica Gajewski scored 22 points in the previous meeting with the Cougars and on Saturday she once again scored 22 points, shooting 70 percent from the field.

Early in the game, GCU held a one-point lead (15-14) after the first quarter but the Lopes extended their lead to five points to close out the half with the 31-28 advantage. GCU followed up with another 16 points in the third quarter to go into the final quarter ahead 47-43. Chicago State made it close by starting the fourth quarter on a 12-8 run to come within two points at 55-53. The Lopes regrouped to close out on a 10-7 run to win the game by five.

As a team, GCU shot 50 percent for the game while limiting Chicago State to just 33.9 percent. GCU received contributions from its bench, outscoring Chicago State 12-5. Once again, Courtney Hayes led GCU in assists with six while also grabbing four rebounds along with six points. Providing a spark off the bench was Devyn Edwards and Katelyn Lee combining for 12 points and seven rebounds.

"We didn't do a lot of things well but down the stretch we stayed composed and made timely plays," May said. "I want to give Chicago State a lot of credit for playing with a lot of pride and toughness. That says a lot about their players and staff."

After concluding its road schedule, GCU has seven wins away from home, a two-game improvement from last season. The Lopes will now be at home for the next two weekends to close out the season. GCU will return home to face CSU Bakersfield on Thursday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m.