ABILENE - In a game filled with intensity and momentum shifts, ACU suffered an 81-67 defeat at the hands of Grand Canyon University (GCU) despite a career-high performance from Bella Earle. Earle tied her personal best with 26 points, her second time reaching that mark this season while adding eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals in a standout effort.
The Wildcats came out strong in the first half, displaying sharp shooting and defensive tenacity. Earle's early contributions and Payton Hull's hot hand, which netted 20 points and four three-pointers, powered ACU to a commanding 45-32 lead at halftime. A scorching second quarter saw the Wildcats shoot 63.6% from the field and connect on 80% of their three-point attempts.
However, the tide turned in the second half as GCU found their rhythm. The Lopes surged with a dominant third quarter, outscoring ACU 25-13 to cut into the Wildcats' lead. Trinity San Antonio led the charge for GCU with 25 points and five assists, while Alyssa Durazo-Frescas provided critical three-pointers in the closing minutes. GCU's aggressive defense and fast-break opportunities (24 points in transition to ACU's 8) created key scoring chances, swinging momentum firmly in their favor.
In the fourth quarter, Earle continued to fight, adding 10 points and hustling on the boards, but GCU's balanced scoring attack and late-game execution sealed the win. Laura Erikstrup added 18 points and 13 rebounds for the Lopes, further challenging ACU's defense.
While the Wildcats matched GCU in bench production with 11 points and held their own on second-chance opportunities, their overall shooting cooled in the second half, finishing at 42.6% from the floor.
Now at 12-6 (1-2 WAC), ACU has a fast turnaround and heads to California to take on California Baptist on Saturday at 3 p.m. (CT).
