Traveling down to Phoenix, Arizona, the Southern Utah University women’s basketball team had a showdown with Grand Canyon University on Thursday, Jan. 23. The Lopes dominated on offense from the tipoff and flew past SUU 79-51.
With the loss, Southern Utah falls to 3-15 on the year and 1-4 in the Western Athletic Conference, while Grand Canyon improves to 18-2 overall and 4-1 in conference play.
First quarter
It was a high-flying first quarter as both teams shot the ball well. Grand Canyon got out to an early 17-10 lead thanks to Trinity San Antonio. The senior guard scored 12 of the Lopes’ 17 points during that span.
Late in the quarter, Sydney Gandy and Daylani Ballena hit three-pointers to cut the lead to 25-20 after one.
Second quarter
After the high-scoring first quarter, Grand Canyon’s defense was effective in quarter number two. Southern Utah scored just eight points on 3/13 shooting from the field while giving up 21 points to GCU.
Tiarra Brown was in control down low, scoring eight of her 10 second-quarter points in the paint and giving the Lopes the 46-28 lead at the half.
Third quarter
Lexi Bull had a strong third quarter for the Thunderbirds as she led the team with seven points on 3/5 shooting from the field. Despite Bull’s strong quarter, Southern Utah couldn’t gain any ground on the Lopes lead.
Laura Erikstrup added six points on 3/4 shooting and the Lopes led 57-39 after three.
Fourth quarter
Grand Canyon never took the foot off the gas pedal, scoring 22 points in the fourth and shooting 52.9% from the field. Late in the quarter, SUU’s Olivia Malafu scored four points to get on the board, but GCU dominated, winning 79-51.
Key statistics
— San Antonio scored 21 points on 8/14 shooting from the field
— Gandy led SUU with four assists
— As a team, GCU shot 56.1% from the field
— SUU turned the ball over 26 times
What’s next?
SUU will continue on the road when they face California Baptist University on Saturday, Jan. 25, at 2 p.m. This game can be streamed on ESPN+.
Author: Jack Paul
Photographer: SUU Athletics
Editor: Chevy Blackburn