Senior sendoff symbolizes group buy-in

Thursday, February 24

Phoenix, Ariz.

6 p.m.

Grand Canyon

19-7,12-3WAC

Chicago State

4-20,3-12WAC

Chicago St.

Grand Canyon

2/24/2022 9:18:00 PM | Women's Basketball, Paul Coro

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In farewell for 7 Lopes, GCU trounces Chicago State with 14 steals

By: Paul Coro

One by one, each of the seven Grand Canyon seniors received the same gift of a framed jersey before Thursday night's Senior Night win and each of the six Lopes seniors who played received the same parting words from head coach Molly Miller.

"We're not done yet," she told each upon being subbed out in the final moments of a 73-55 victory against Chicago State at GCU Arena.

Closing the chapter on a 12-3 home season came early, quelling emotions for the final-season Lopes when they still have three road games to play before they begin WAC Tournament play in two weeks.

The rewards came in another victory that affirmed their buy-in to the GCU way. The Lopes lead the nation in steals per game at 13.4 and stuck to that with 14 steals on Thursday night, when they made eight in the third quarter to break the game open. After the fourth consecutive win, Miller told her squad, "That's a great team," of the way it played in the third quarter.

GCU (19-7, 12-3 WAC) went on a 25-4 run that included shutting out the Cougars for a six-minute stretch that extended into the fourth quarter.

Kennedi Shorts

"It's definitely a hodgepodge of a senior class, but I wouldn't want it any other way," Miller said of her outgoing group of graduate transfers, COVID-waiver holdovers and inherited players. "This group set the tone and the family atmosphere that is really true to our culture and what we want it to evolve into. They were the first swing at it. I'm very proud that they were able to represent who we are so well and be good stewards of GCU.

"When you talk about bridging the culture and integrating a system, you want buy-in and that's the biggest thing I can say about this group. They believe in the process. They never questioned what we were doing. They just went out and did it with all their might."

That is how this GCU group is already making history in a program that reached its first WAC Tournament championship game last year and is positioning itself well to return this year.

Thursday's win kept the Lopes alone in second place with a 1 1/2-game lead on third-place California Baptist, which they swept in the regular-season series. The WAC's top two teams receive byes into the tournament semifinals.

Five of the Lopes playing their final home game scored nine or more points on Thursday night. Graduate guard Amara Graham led with 11 points while graduate power forward Jay McChristine added 10 points and six rebounds. Graduate guard Chloe Akin-Otiko also scored 10 while senior forward Kennedi Shorts made her first career 3-point shot as part of her nine-point, six-rebound effort.

Graduate guard Ny'Dajah Jackson, senior guard Tianna Brown and injured guard Taylor Caldwell rounded out the honorees.

"It was very emotional for all of us, even though it might not have shown," said Brown, who shared the home court with her sister, Tiarra, for the final time. "It's surreal that this is the last game we'll be playing at GCU Arena. It's just crazy to think this is the last ride for me, especially with my sister too. We've been through a lot in basketball together.

"I was just telling my friends today that I'm so happy that I could do this, am able to say that I played DI basketball and graduated from GCU (this April in exercise science)."

A year ago, Akin-Otiko was not even sure if she would play a college basketball game. As a graduate transfer following a Kansas track career, Akin-Otiko missed all of last season because of reconstructive knee surgery and opted to return this season. Her decision has worked out for everyone with her game-winning 3-pointer against Lamar, a recent starting role and a career scoring high on Thursday.

Chloe Akin-Otiko

"It was really special to think about my journey here and the faith that my coaches and my teammates have in me," said Akin-Otiko, who brother and sister attended. "A year ago, I had a decision to make and I'm really glad I came back. I didn't know how I was going to be coming off my ACL. I just wanted to contribute in whatever way was needed and I still want to do that."

Graham's scoring prowess is resurfacing within the GCU system. She is shooting 55% over the past three games with a 14.4 scoring average in conference games.

"It's not over yet," Graham said. "We've still got work to do."

GCU plays at Sam Houston on Saturday before finishing the regular season next week at Utah Valley and Dixie State.

"I think they're still hungry," Miller said. "We want to make this a grand finale for a large group of seniors. I know they're going to give it their all every time they step on the court. They're going to play for some goals we set for the program. It's going to be a fun finish."