Arizona Falls to GCU in Close Home Opener

By Pricilia Mugwa

Wildcats Drop a Tight Game Despite Strong Performances from Cunningham and Paris

Jada Williams (2) - TUCSON, ARIZ. — Women’s Basketball vs Seattle University at McKale Memorial Center Photo by Catherine Regan / Arizona Athletics
Jada Williams, Arizona Women’s Basketball vs GCU at McKale Memorial Center
(Photo Courtesy: Arizona Athletics/by Catherine Regan)

TUCSON–Arizona’s women’s basketball team suffered their first home loss of the season, falling to Grand Canyon in a highly competitive game with a final score of 69-66.

Breya Cunningham led the Wildcats with a career-high 20 points and 6 rebounds, while Paulina Paris added 12 points and four rebounds. Jada Williams and Lauryn Swann each contributed 11 points, with Swann hitting three of Arizona’s five three-pointers.

Defensively, the Cats forced 15 points off turnovers and recorded 12 steals, with Williams leading the way with 4 steals and Cunningham adding 3 blocks. Arizona shot 44.1% from the field for the game.

The Wildcats started strong, holding the Lopes to just 12 points in the first quarter and leading 36-31 at halftime. However, Grand Canyon outscored Arizona in the second half, ultimately securing the win in a tense finish.

Here’s the link to the coach’s press conference following the defeat, as well as post-game remarks from Breya Cunningham and Paulina Paris.

Arizona will look to bounce back in their next game against CSU Bakersfield on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 6:00 p.m. MST.

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