BAKERSFIELD, Calif.—Grand Canyon outscored CSU Bakersfield 17-6 in the third quarter as the Antelopes defeated the Roadrunners 61-51 in Western Athletic Conference women's basketball play Thursday night.

The score was tied at 29 coming out of halftime as the 'Lopes did not allow a CSUB field goal in the third. The 'Runners were 0-for-12 from the field. CSUB did get to the free throw line 12 times during the 10-minute span, but could only convert six attempts Jessica Gajewski scored six of her eight points during the third quarter as Grand Canyon made 6-of-11 field goal attempts.  GCU (11-11, 3-3 WAC) would take a 46-35 lead into the fourth.  The Roadrunners outscored the Antelopes 16-15 in the final frame, but would lose by 10.

The 'Lopes outshot the 'Runners 45.8% to 36.7%. GCU outrebounded CSUB 32-30 and scored 21 points off of 20 Roadrunner turnovers.  Grand Canyon point guard Courtney Hayes led all scorers with 17 points. She completed the double-double with 10 assists. She also added six steals and six rebounds. Dana Jones scored 13 points and had seven rebounds for the Antelopes. Batabe Zempare led the Roadrunners with 12 points and seven rebounds. Addi Walters had 11 for CSUB.

“One of those games that is tough to swallow,” said CSUB head coach Greg McCall. “We knew it would be a tough game against Grand Canyon, but we were even after the first two quarters. We came out for the third quarter and went for 0-for-12. We got up more shots than they did. We made only six of our 12 free throw attempts and after only giving up 17 points, you shoot yourself in the foot when you are getting opportunities and not converting them. We will get it fixed and be ready to go Saturday.”

The Roadrunners (5-16, 2-4 WAC) host Utah Valley (10-11, 3-3 WAC) on Saturday at 1 p.m. Tickets are available at Vallitix.com. The game can also be seen on the Roadrunner Digital Network.

~www.GoRunners.com~