GCU tops Utah Valley for split

Thursday, March 7

Phoenix, Ariz.

6 p.m.

Grand Canyon

7-18, 5-10WAC

Utah Valley

14-13, 8-6WAC

Utah Valley

Grand Canyon

3/7/2019 8:46:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

Akula, Varis stand out for Lopes

By: Sarah Woodward

Behind a standout performance from senior guard Kavita Akula, the Grand Canyon women's basketball team topped Utah Valley 64-54 on Thursday night at GCU Arena to split the season series.

The Lopes offense stood out, shooting 55 percent (11-20) from the 3-point line while Akula had an outstanding performance by going 6 for 10 from the arc. The feat marked the most 3-pointers made by a GCU player this season and tied Akula's career best that she set last season against Kansas City.

Akula led all players with 18 points, a season best for the senior. She was followed by freshman guard Venla Varis' 14 points, including 5-for-10 shooting from the 3-point line. Freshman guard Taylor Caldwell added nine points while junior forward Da'jah Daniel led all players with 12 rebounds.

Akula started her 3-point frenzy early in the game with a shot that put the Lopes ahead 5-2. Senior center ShaRon Miller completed a 3-point play and sunk a layup to extend GCU's lead to six before Varis came off the bench and racked up a pair of 3s within a minute for a 21-14 lead after the first quarter.

The Wolverines caught up with the Lopes in the second quarter, going on a 10-3 run to step ahead. Varis answered with a 3-pointer and layup to keep GCU within one at halftime.

GCU gained momentum in the third quarter after Akula shot her second 3-pointer to put the Lopes in the lead, where they remained for the rest of the night. Less than a minute later, Akula managed to drain another 3-point basket to extend GCU's lead, 34-27. Senior forward AJ Cephas and Caldwell added a pair of layups and Akula scored her fourth 3-pointer to close the third quarter with a 43-33 lead.

The excitement in GCU Arena continued in the fourth quarter with another 3-point shot by Akula while Varis tallied her fourth 3 of the night. Akula claimed the season record with her sixth 3-pointer, which put the Lopes ahead 52-39. Caldwell sank a 3-point shot and Daniel sealed the deal with a layup to top the Wolverines.

The Lopes return to GCU Arena for their last home game of the season, which is Senior Day at 2 p.m. Saturday against Seattle U.