California Baptist University
Grand Canyon University
Down To The Wire
3/2/2012 1:53:00 AM | Women's Basketball
A last second 3-pointer by Myriah Hicks fell short for the Lancers and GCU locked up at least a share of the PacWest title with a 54-53 win.
"I thought the girls gave great effort and showed great heart the whole way tonight," said Interim Head Coach Jeff Caha. "We were down multiple times tonight by as much as eight or 10 points and never gave up. We just gave up too many offensive rebounds in the last couple minutes of the game and that's what killed us."
CBU trailed the entire way, but kept the Lopes within their sites throughout the game, tying the score at 34-34 midway through the second half.
The Lancers were never able to get over the hump however, with GCU going on an 8-0 run immediately following the first tie of the game since the opening tip.
Hicks would drain her third three of the game with 1:36 left, pulling the Lancers to within 52-50 and then sank one of two free throws to cut the deficit to one.
Offensive rebounds by GCU down the stretch would sink the Lancers, though, as Joslynn Frazier corralled a missed shot and put it back with 35 seconds left, putting the Lopes up 54-51.
CBU ran the last play for Hicks, but the smothering GCU defense didn't allow for a clean look. Alexis Johnson got a put back as time expired, but it was too little too late.
"We wanted to get a three for Myriah off a triple screen there at the end, but with 13 seconds left we just didn't have enough time to get a good shot off," said Caha. "You have to give Grand Canyon credit, they are a good defensive team and they made things tough on us."
The Lancers still have a chance to share the PacWest title if CBU beats Dominican on Saturday and Dixie State can steal a win at GCU. All three teams would then be tied and share the conference title.
Hicks led all scorers in the game with 18 points and Johnson added 10.
CBU shot just 30 percent from the field, but held the Lopes to 35 percent shooting to keep the game close all night.
Both teams struggled from the foul line with the Lancers shooting 52.2 percent and GCU shooting 50 percent.
Maylinn Smith and Jallisa Butler each scored 11 points to lead GCU.
"I am incredibly proud of what these girls have persevered through this season to be where they are at now," said Caha. "It's disappointing not to have won this, but they have nothing to be ashamed of, they fought hard."
