Nation's steal leaders meet under pressure

Monday, January 31

Phoenix, Ariz.

6 p.m.

Grand Canyon

Stephen F. Austin

Buy Tickets

1/30/2022 10:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball, Paul Coro

Full-court defenses define GCU home game vs. WAC leader SFA

By: Paul Coro

Monday, Jan. 31 \| 6 p.m. (Phoenix time) \| GCU Arena

	STEPHEN F. AUSTIN LADYJACKS (16-3, 7-0 WAC)	at	GRAND CANYON LOPES (13-5, 6-1 WAC)

WATCH: ESPN+ \| LISTEN: 1580 The Fanatic \| STATS: View

The anticipation for the women's basketball matchup coming to GCU Arena on Monday night began a year ago.

When WAC expansion was announced last January, Grand Canyon head coach Molly Miller previewed a game that was a year away.

"Mark this one down for you guys," Miller said at a GCU Arena press conference. "We're going to want to highlight/asterisk/bold/underline this game. GCU is No. 1 for turnovers forced. Stephen F. Austin is No. 2. That's going to be fun – that defensive lockdown mentality."

Last year's outlook is this year's task, but little has changed in the way the new conference foes will play in a 6 p.m. Monday game at GCU Arena.

Stephen F. Austin (16-3, 7-0 WAC) ranks second nationally for opponent turnovers per game (24.7). GCU is fourth (24.4).

The Lopes (13-5, 6-1 WAC) top the nation for steals per game (14.3). The Ladyjacks are No. 5 (13.3).

Molly Miller

"I love a challenge," Miller said. "You really want to test yourself in these moments and see where you stack up. They're the best team in the conference right now, so what a great opportunity for us.

"They press. We press. It's going to probably be a pressing battle for 40 minutes."

Stephen F. Austin is 40-6 over the past two seasons and reached the NCAA tournament last season by winning the Southland Conference before its WAC move.

In its second season under Miller, GCU is aspiring to that level and will get the ultimate test as it starts two freshmen and a sophomore.

"With our defense, we're really active to no matter what kind of formation we're in, I don't think anybody expects how active we are," said Lopes freshman reserve guard Kiyley Flowers, who leads the team with 2.5 steals per game in just 15.7 minutes per game. "With their defense, it's going to be a fun, attacking game."

Flowers and sophomore Tiarra Brown (2.0 steals per game) rank sixth and seven in the conference with injured junior guard Taylor Caldwell and graduate forward Jay McChristine also in the top 12 at 1.8 steals per game each. But each of those Lopes players have missed games (13 combined), indicating the inconsistent player availability that Miller and her coaching staff have faced.

GCU has emerged from it with a five-game winning streak, most of which entailed a comeback as players settle into their roles. The Lopes used its pressure Saturday to make 14 steals against New Mexico State, keeping the Lopes one game behind Stephen F. Austin.

GCU bench

"They're really coming together," Miller said. "It's a little bittersweet because it came and went so fast. Here we are, almost turning the page to February. We were in here in August just yesterday and now we have two months of basketball left. It's kind of crazy.

"We've had injuries. We've had COVID setbacks. It would be nice to put those things past us and move forward with everyone available and healthy to see what this team looks like full-force."

Stephen F. Austin presents a mighty task with a plus-22.1 average scoring margin that ranks third nationally. The Lopes are trying to close the gap between the programs in a hurry with eight first-year players on the court.

"I honestly think more of the pieces are coming together," Flowers said. "When we find momentum and the more we enjoy playing and everyone knows what they're doing, that's when the chemistry shows up. Whenever the chemistry is there, everything flows really well."

GCU also flows with its home environment that includes a growing Havocs effect. The Lopes are 21-2 at home since Miller's arrival in 2020.

"We're looking forward to playing in front of our fans again," Miller said. "A good sixth man effect can help us with this game in particular. We have a lot of promise at home because we really vibe off that momentum and energy of the crowd."

For tickets, click here.