W Basketball
11-8-09
TUCSON -- In its final tuneup before the regular season, Grand Canyon University lost to the University of Arizona 83-56 at McKale Center Sunday.
GCU led as late as the 9:00 mark of the first half, 17-16, on a jumper from senior point guard Shareka Purnell (Dale City, Va./Arkansas-Little Rock). Antelope junior Samantha Murphy (Phoenix, Ariz./Xavier Prep) was game-high scorer with 21 points.
"This was a great opportunity," said Murphy of playing against the Division I foe. "We're not discouraged. We wanted to win but it just didn't turn our that way.
"I'm very optimistic about our season. I still believe we have a great team."
After the Purnell jumper, Arizona went on a 10-0 run, but the 'Lopes rallied to get right back in the game. Senior Dana Iverson (Fort Collins, Colo./Fort Collins) scored off a Purnell assist to cut it to 26-22 with 3:25 left. Iverson finished the game with 10 points.
Later in the half, Arizona converted two GCU missed one-and-bonus free throws and a turnover into quick baskets. GCU trailed 35-25 at halftime.
Arizona opened the second half on a 13-4 run.
"We didn't convert at the beginning of the second half," said GCU head coach Trent May. "They scored eight quick points and it was an uphill battle the rest of the way.
"I saw a lot of good things (Sunday)," May added. "I'm excited about what we're doing."
Seniors Stacy Haddow (Chino Valley, Ariz./Chino Valley) and Ashley Hardin (pictured, Chandler, Ariz./Marcos de Niza) added six and five points, respectively. Tucson native Steffani Liscum (Tucson, Ariz/Marana) also had five points. Purnell had five assists and four steals. Murphy had seven rebounds.
GCU opens the regular season Nov. 16 at Western New Mexico.
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