The Northern Arizona Lumberjacks women’s basketball team returns to action this weekend with a showdown against in-state rival Grand Canyon University. The two teams will face off on Sunday, Dec. 29, at 2 p.m. MST at the Global Credit Union Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. Fans can also catch the game live on ESPN+.
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Season Overview and Series History
Sunday’s game wraps up non-conference play for Northern Arizona, who boasts a 9-3 record this season. The Lumberjacks will be up against a Grand Canyon squad that is 11-2 overall, including an undefeated 9-0 record at home. Before hosting NAU, GCU faces Park Gilbert on Friday, Dec. 27.
This marks the 11th meeting between NAU and GCU, with the Lumberjacks holding a 6-4 edge in the all-time series. However, the Lopes have won four of the last five contests, with NAU’s last victory coming during the 2021-22 season in Flagstaff.
The teams have met in Phoenix only three times, with GCU leading 2-1. The Lumberjacks’ last road win in the series occurred during the 1989-90 season.
Key Stats and Players
Grand Canyon enters Sunday’s matchup on a nine-game winning streak, highlighted by a road victory over Arizona, 69-66. Similarly, NAU defeated Arizona earlier this season, securing a decisive 92-75 win on Nov. 20.
The Lopes average 76.8 points per game and are among the nation’s leaders in efficiency, ranking 19th in field goal percentage (48.4%) and 35th in three-point shooting (36.4%).
They also excel defensively, forcing 20.8 turnovers per game and allowing only 58.2 points per contest. Alyssa Durazo-Frescas leads GCU’s offense with 48 three-pointers this season, ranking second nationally with an impressive 45.7% success rate.
For NAU, junior Sophie Glancey has been a standout, ranking sixth in the nation with eight double-doubles this season. She averages 18.0 points per game, leads the Big Sky in blocks (1.7), and is second in rebounds (9.0).
Teammates Taylor Feldman (15.2 PPG) and Nyah Moran (15.0 PPG) also rank among the top scorers in the conference, with Feldman leading the team in assists at 3.8 per game.
The Lumberjacks lead the Big Sky in scoring with 81.8 points per game and rank fourth nationally in defensive rebounding. However, their defense has been a challenge, allowing 76.3 points per game.
Upcoming Schedule
Following Sunday’s game, Northern Arizona begins Big Sky Conference play with a road trip to Idaho State on Jan. 2, followed by a visit to Weber State on Jan. 4.
Both teams will be eager to finish non-conference play on a high note, making Sunday’s game a compelling matchup.