GCU looks to bounce back at UTRGV

THURSDAY, FEB. 9
6:00 p.m. MST \| UTRGV Field House \| Edinburg, Texas
GRAND CANYON LOPES 12-8 (4-3 WAC) GAME NOTES	AT	UTRGV VAQUEROS 15-9 (5-3 WAC) GAME NOTES
Live Stream WAC Digital Network \| Live Stats Live Stats \| Twitter @GCU_WBB

The Grand Canyon women's basketball program looks to bounce back at UTRGV on Thursday, Feb.9. Tip is set for 6 p.m. MST.

GCU suffered a loss to CSU Bakersfield last Saturday falling to 4-3 in Western Athletic Conference play.

Last time Out
CSUB took the early lead, but after the first media timeout, the Lopes stepped up their offense, mounting a 13-3 run deep in the first to close the gap and cut CSUB's lead to three at 16-13.

In a high energy period, the Lopes carried on its momentum in the first half tying the game at 15-15. Marina Laramie banked two free throws to put GCU ahead 20-18. The Lopes continued to apply their stifling defense holding the 'Runners from scoring for over three minutes. To cap off the productive half, August Touchard hit a triple to put GCU up 30-24 to end the half.

While GCU opened final frame with a Laramie bucket to come within three. The following minutes produced a pair of technical fouls on CSUB and Gajewski converted all four free throws awarded to the Lopes to take back the lead at 47-46. The 'Runners then put together a 20-4 run to take control of the game deep in the period at 72-53. From that point on, GCU struggled to get its offense going and fell to the 'Runners Saturday afternoon after a physical and high intensity contest.

GCU STARTING FIVE

1. The Lopes will look to complete the sweep over UTRGV on Thursday night. The Lopes defeated the Vaqueros earlier this season in a last second finish off a layup secured by Brie Mobley that claimed the contest with a 60-59 finish.

2.The Lopes have done well in the turnover category this season. With a +1.8 turnover ratio, GCU's defense has caused problems for its opponents. The Lopes have averaged 16.1 takeaways thus far and has netted 299 points off turnovers this year. GCU currently sits at third in the WAC with 14.3 turnovers to its opponents 16.1. GCU forced 15 turnovers at CSUB, netting 15 points off 'Runner mistakes.

3.Since returning to the court after an ankle injury, Laramie has performed well. Through WAC contests she's averaged 18.3 points per game, good for first place in the league. Overall, she is averaging 19.6 points per game good for No. 20 in the NCAA. She currently leads the conference in scoring by 3.2 points.

4. Brie 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 averaging 15.3 points per game and 7.4 rebounds per game. Through WAC contests she sits at fifth in the league in scoring with 16.4 ppg. She also sits at fifth with 3.4 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 19.6 ppg, she also leads in 3-Point FG Pct at 45.7 percent. Gajewski sits at fourth in the category (39.0). Zelor Massaquoi is now second 8.3 rpg. Aniya Baker sits in the top 2 with 4.1 assists per game.

UTRGV Notables
The Vaqueros are 15-9 on the year and 5-3 in WAC play. They are averaging 64.3 ppg with 40.1 rpg. Shawnte Goff leads the squad with 15.2 ppg. Hild Kjartandottir has a team-leading 7.4 rpg. Mary Savoy, is averaging double-figures with 11.0 ppg.

GCU will meet UTRGV for the eighth time in program history. The Lopes hold the advantage in the all-time series at 4-3. GCU defeated the Vaqueros earlier this year in a last second finish in GCU Arena. The Lopes put together an impressive fourth quarter performance capped off with Mobley's game winning layup to secure the victory at 60-59.

Up Next
The Lopes conclude their road swing at New Mexico State on Sunday, Feb.12. Game time is set for 1 p.m. MST.

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Aniya Baker

Marina Laramie

Zelor Massaquoi

Brie Mobley

August Touchard

Grand Canyon University Athletics