The Liberty Lady Flames suffered their first-ever loss to a WAC opponent as the Grand Canyon Antelopes secured a commanding 79-50 victory on Wednesday at the Global Credit Union Arena. Led by Trinity San Antonio’s outstanding performance, the Antelopes controlled the game from start to finish, avenging their previous losses to Liberty over the last three seasons.
San Antonio’s dominant display included 21 points, 17 assists, and six steals, propelling Grand Canyon to a 3-2 record while dropping Liberty to 3-3 for the season. The Lady Flames struggled offensively, recording season lows in multiple statistical categories and committing a season-high 27 turnovers.
Game Analysis
Key Statistics Breakdown
Liberty’s offense struggled throughout the contest, managing just 50 points—their lowest of the season. The team also connected on only three three-pointers, shooting an underwhelming 18.8% from beyond the arc. Grand Canyon, on the other hand, was highly efficient, shooting 51.7% from the field and 44.4% from deep. The Antelopes also capitalized on Liberty’s turnovers, converting them into 28 points and dominating fast-break opportunities with 19 points in transition.
Individual Performances
Liberty Standouts:
- Emily Howard: 10 points
- Brooke Moore: 9 points
- Emma Hess: 8 points, 5 rebounds
Grand Canyon Standouts:
- Laura Erikstrup: 19 points, 7 rebounds
- Alyssa Durazo-Frescas: 14 points, including 4-of-5 from three-point range
- Tiarra Brown: 11 points
While Liberty slightly edged Grand Canyon in bench scoring (24-13), the Antelopes held a narrow 32-31 rebounding advantage, further cementing their control of the game.
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Turning Point
Midway through the second quarter, Liberty remained within striking distance at 28-21 following two free throws by Emma Hess. However, Grand Canyon responded with a blistering 20-5 run spanning the second and third quarters. San Antonio took over, scoring 12 of her 21 points during this stretch, helping the Antelopes build an insurmountable 48-26 lead.
Quarter-by-Quarter Recap
First Quarter:
Grand Canyon jumped out to an early 21-12 lead, fueled by 10-0 and 6-0 scoring runs. Erikstrup paced the Antelopes with nine points, while San Antonio dished out five assists.
Second Quarter:
Despite six points from Hess, Liberty’s 10 turnovers in the quarter proved costly. GCU capitalized on these errors, extending their lead to 35-23 at halftime.
Third Quarter:
The Antelopes found their rhythm from deep, with Durazo-Frescas knocking down three of her four three-pointers. Shooting 6-of-9 from beyond the arc, GCU extended their lead to 59-37 heading into the final period.
Fourth Quarter:
San Antonio continued to dictate play, adding five assists and two steals in the final quarter as Grand Canyon closed out the game with a dominant 20-13 scoring advantage.
Lady Flames Vs. Valdosta State (image via Getty)Player and Team Highlights
Liberty Highlights:
- Emily Howard reached double figures for the third time in her career.
- Brooke Moore delivered her best scoring output since her collegiate debut.
- Asia Boone hit her 77th career three-pointer, tying for 19th place in Liberty’s all-time rankings.
Historical Context
- This was Liberty’s first-ever game in Arizona as part of their 50th season.
- The Lady Flames now hold a 6-1 all-time record against WAC opponents, including 1-1 this season.
Final Takeaways
Liberty’s struggles against Grand Canyon highlighted key areas for improvement, particularly in managing turnovers and maintaining offensive consistency. Meanwhile, the Antelopes showcased their depth and efficiency, with San Antonio’s 17 assists setting a program record and emphasizing the team’s strong cohesion.
What’s Next?
The Lady Flames will seek to rebound in their upcoming matchups as they continue their quest for a successful season. Stay tuned to Etruesports for more in-depth analysis and updates on Liberty basketball.
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