GCU thumps Cal St. Monterey Bay, faces Cal Poly Pomona March 14 in West Region finale

POMONA, CA – Grand Canyon used a stifling second-half defense en route to a 55-35 skinning of Cal State Monterey Bay on Saturday evening, March 12, in the semifinals of the NCAA Division II West Region in Pomona, CA.

The victory propels the Antelopes into the West Region Championship vs. host Cal Poly Pomona on Monday evening, March 14, at 7 p.m.

It marks the first time that a PacWest women’s basketball team has earned a berth in the NCAA II West Region Championship game since the league reformed in 2006-07.

Rookie guard/forward Maylinn Smith (Gilbert, AZ/Mesquite) is playing like a veteran after scoring 23 points in 28 minutes of action. She made a living at the free throw line, shooting 80% (12 for 15) while hitting 3 of 6 (50%) three-point attempts.

Senior guard Samantha Murphy (Phoenix, AZ/Xavier Prep) contributed 14 points and eight defensive rebounds, while junior center/forward Jallisa Butler (Las Vegas, NV/Cimarron) dominated the glass with 18 rebounds – 13 on the defensive end.

The Antelopes held a slim 24-22 halftime lead but used a smothering defense to limit the Otters to just 13 points after the break. The Grand Canyon defense allowed no Cal State Monterey Bay players to reach double-figures.

With the victory, Grand Canyon improved its record to 29-2 and tied the school record for consecutive victories at 17. The 29 wins marks the highest victory total – men or women – in PacWest history with the Antelopes having a shot at becoming the first 30-game winner if they defeat Cal Poly Pomona on Monday night.

The winner of the West Region title contest will travel to St. Joseph, MO, for the Division II Women’s Elite Eight beginning March 22.