GCU looks for third-straight win at CSUB

Saturday, February 4

Bakersfield, CA

2:00 P.M.

Grand Canyon

CSU Bakersfield

2/3/2017 9:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball

GCU Game Notes CSUB Game Notes

SATURDAY, FEB. 4
2:00 p.m. MST \| Icardo Center \| Bakersfield, Calif.
GRAND CANYON LOPES 12-7 (4-2 WAC) GAME NOTES	AT	CSU BAKERSFIELD ROADRUNNERS 9-11 (4-2 WAC) GAME NOTES
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The Grand Canyon women's basketball program looks to pick up its third-straight win at CSU Bakersfield on Saturday, Feb.4. Tip is set for 2 p.m. MST.

GCU finished last week on a high note with victories over UMKC (75-64) and Chicago State (57-39) to improve to 4-2 in Western Athletic Conference play.

Last time Out
GCU secured its ninth victory at home after dropping Chicago State, 57-39 last Saturday. In a outing mostly dominated by GCU's defense, the Lopes jumped out to an early lead in the first with an 11-0 run, finishing the quarter with an 18-4 lead.

Outscoring the Chicago State 22-8 in the first quarter, GCU hit 7-for-13 from the field. Marina Laramie scored 11 points (3-of-5), including 5-for-6 from the free throw line. With less than five minutes left in the first half, the Cougars hit five-straight field goals, cutting the Lopes' lead to 29-19.Solid defense from the Lopes forced 11 Cougar turnovers, including five steals.

To start the second half, Grand Canyon then turned up the offense on a 9-0 run to take a commanding 49-33 lead heading into the final quarter. Laramie continued to dominate on the court, pulling down her 10th rebound at the 6:41 mark to post her fifth double-double of the season. The Lopes would go on to secure the 57-39 victory over the Cougars.

GCU STARTING FIVE

1. With an 9-2 home record, GCU has posted the best mark since the 2013-14 season. GCU's lone losses have been at the hands of No. 10 Washington and New Mexico State. The Lopes finished their inaugural season in Division I play with a 11-2 record. GCU's nine home wins before the February, has been the highest in the program's Division I history.

2.The Lopes have done well in the turnover category this season. With a +1.9 turnover ratio, GCU's defense has caused problems for its opponents. The Lopes have averaged 16.1 takeaways thus far and has netted 284 points off turnovers this year. GCU currently sits at third in the WAC with 14.2 turnovers to its opponents 16.1. The Lopes forced 22 Chicago State turnovers, netting 24 points off Cougar miscues.

3.Since returning to the court after an ankle injury, Laramie has performed well. Through WAC contests she's averaged 18.8 points per game, good for first place in the league. Overall, she is averaging 19.9 points per game good for No.18 in the NCAA. She currently leads the conference in scoring by 3.6 points.

4. Mobley has continued to wow on the court. After producing her fifth straight double-figure scoring outing against Chicago State (14), she has been consistent in her starting role. She is currently averaging 16.0 points per game and 7.3 rebounds per game. Through WAC contests she sits at third in the league in scoring with 17.7 ppg. She also sits at fifth with 3.3 assists per game thus far.

5. With one Lope leading the conference in scoring and a total of four in the top-5 in the conference standings, GCU continues to impress on the court. Laramie leads with 19.9 ppg, she also leads in 3-Point FG Pct at 45.5 percent. Gajewski sits at fourth in the category (40.6). Zelor Massaquoi is now second 8.3 rpg. Aniya Baker sits in the top 2 with 4.3 assists per game.

CSUB Notables
The 'Runners are 9-11 on the year and 4-2 in WAC play. They are averaging 64.1 ppg with 35.8 rpg. Erika Williams leads the squad with 11.8 ppg. Brittany Sims has a team-leading 6.0 rpg. Aja Williams, is averaging double-figures with 10.8 ppg.

GCU will meet CSUB for the 19th time in program history. The 'Runners hold the advantage in the all-time series at 2-16. CSUB also has the series lead through WAC contests at 2-4. GCU splits its contests with CSUB last season. In their last meeting, GCU fell to the 'Runners in 76-67 finish in GCU Arena.

Up Next
The Lopes continue their road swing at UTRGV on Thursday Feb.9. Game time is set for 6 p.m. MST.