GCU looks to extend win streak against Aggies

Saturday, January 29

Phoenix, Ariz.

2 p.m.

Grand Canyon

New Mexico State

1/28/2022 9:04:00 AM | Women's Basketball

Lopes host NMSU in pursuit of 5th consecutive win

By: Sierra Smith

The Grand Canyon women's basketball team welcomes New Mexico State to GCU Arena on Saturday and looks to extend its winning streak to five.

WIN STREAK: GCU has a four-game winning streak, coming off WAC wins over Lamar, Abilene Christian, Tarleton and Sam Houston.
TOP-10 DEFENSIVE STATS: The Lopes rank second in the nation for steals per game (14.3) and fourth in total steals (243) and turnovers forced per game (24.53). GCU also has the seventh-best turnover margin (plus-7.53).
LOPES VS. AGGIES HISTORY: The Lopes are 5-11 all-time against the Aggies. Last season, GCU split the WAC series with New Mexico State. The Lopes dropped the first game, 61-53, before coming back to win 61-52 the next day.

The Aggies lost 67-64 at Chicago State on Monday despite a 20-point, 17-rebound performance from Bigue Sarr.
Sarr is the only Aggie averaging double figures with 14.4 points per game. She also leads the team with 7.9 rebounds per game. She ranks 13th nationally for field goal percentage (58.4%).
New Mexico State is sitting in ninth place in the WAC standings, in front of Dixie State, Chicago State, Sam Houston and Seattle U.
Head coach Brooke Atkinson is in her fifth season at NMSU.
The Aggies lead the conference in rebound margin (plus-5.3) and fewest turnovers (245).

GCU vs. Sam Houston

Led by a 64% shooting effort from 3-point range, GCU knocked off Sam Houston 73-54.
The Lopes looked sharp with 9-for-14 shooting from 3-point range and a defense that caused 27 Bearkat turnovers.
GCU (12-5, 5-1 WAC) remained one game off the conference lead by putting three players in double-figure scoring on Saturday, when graduate guard Amara Graham led the way with 24 points, six rebounds and two steals. Junior forward Dominique Phillips put up 16 points off the bench and sophomore guard Tiarra Brown helped with 11 points, five rebounds and three steals.
GCU's defense held Sam Houston to only 35.3% shooting from the field, including one made 3-pointer.
GCU forced 27 Bearkat turnovers, making it the 12th time in 17 games that an opponent has committed 20-plus turnovers.

GCU will play its rescheduled home game against Stephen F. Austin at 6 p.m. Monday before heading to Seattle U and California Baptist on Thursday and Saturday.