FPU hung tough with the NCAA Division II's #19-ranked team, trailing by just one at halftime and taking a brief lead early in the second half. But the Antelopes (14-4, 6-1 PWC) took control in the second half to hand the Sunbirds (0-13, 0-6 PWC) their 13th consecutive loss 75-59.

“We had the energy and dynamic of a team tonight,” said head coach Erin Scholz. “We had a lot of energy on defense and I walk away from this game very pleased.”

Senior forward Keri Stephanoff led the Sunbirds in scoring with 14 in her first game back in over a month. Kayla Clement chipped in 10 for the Sunbirds, her fifth double-digit game of the season.

Judy Jones was a handful on both ends of the floor for the Sunbirds. The junior forward dropped 27 points and 16 rebounds on FPU in the win. Cindy Ekwezor, Maylinn Smith and Jasmine Cannon all notched double-digits in the win.

The Sunbirds were able to go toe-to-toe with one of the top programs in the country keeping the score tied or within three for most of the half. A three-pointer by Callie Koubec gave Fresno Pacific its first lead at 33-32 with just over a minute remaining in the half. A layup on the other end by Smith gave the 'Lopes a one-point lead heading into the break.

FPU reclaimed the lead briefly in the second half before Grand Canyon took it back on a layup by Cannon with 17 minutes remaining in the game.

The Sunbirds answered back every time Grand Canyon started to pull away keeping the score in single digits.

With 8:30 left in the game Ekwezor put a basket in over Brandi Blackwell that gave GCU the spark they needed to go on a 17-9 run to close out the game and shut the door on the Sunbirds hopes of finding their first win of the season.

“I expect that this is the turning of a corner for us and I expect my players to expect that of themselves,” said Scholz. “We have turned a corner and there is no reason to revert to any of the old things.”

Fresno Pacific will have a quick turnaround as they face Hawaii Hilo on Monday at 5:30 pm.