CBU fell 67-56 to No. 16 Grand Canyon on Saturday night, falling a game back of both GCU and Dixie State in the PacWest standings. CBU has road games against both teams coming up down the home stretch of the season.
The Lancers could find no rhythm offensively in the first half, scoring just 18 points on 5-25 shooting.
The Lopes conversely shot 50 percent from the field, going 15-of-30 for 32 points. GCU got production up and down its bench, with eight players contributing to the 14-point halftime lead.
The length and athleticism of the Lopes consistently gave the Lancers problems finishing around the basket and forced several turnovers on the perimeter. CBU gave the ball away nine times in the opening half.
It was the lowest scoring half all season for the Lancers who were leading the conference in scoring coming into the contest. CBU hadn't scored less than 21 points in a half all year.
Though the scoring picked up for CBU in the second half, the Lancers couldn't cut into the Lope's lead, getting no closer than 13 points down in the first 10 minutes.
Simone Holmes finally gave CBU some life, draining a three to close the gap to 12. After a GCU turnover, Alexis Johnson drew a foul and hit both free throws to pull CBU to 10 points down for the first time in over 20 minutes of play, at 50-40.
An Ashley Wirtzberger three would later pull the Lancers within nine, but that was as close as they would come, as GCU pulled away down the stretch.
CBU's inability to finish in traffic ultimately sunk the team, killing any hope of a rally in the final minutes.
The Lancers shot 31.1 percent in the game, while GCU scorched the nets at 54.2 percent.
Holmes led the Lancers with 15 points in the game. Nicole Anderson scored 12.
The Lopes' Maylinn Smith led all players with 19 points. GCU had three players in double figures.
CBU moves to 16-4 overall, 9-3 PacWest with the loss, GCU improves to 18-2, 10-2.
The Lancers travel to Dixie State Feb. 14 for their next contest.
