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SAN RAFAEL, Calif.  — On Saturday evening at the Conlan Center, the Dominican University of California women's basketball team struggled against #12 Grand Canyon University, falling 87-47 in Pacific West Conference play. Leading the effort for the Lady Penguins was sophomore guard Kimi Nakamura with seven points.

The first half started close with even play early on. The Lady Penguins (3-13/1-5) stayed close after a layup by freshman forward Mary Kate Jankowski tied the game at 12-12 with 12:58 remaining. However, the 'Lopes (15-2/3-1) pulled away with a 16-0 run that lasted nearly six minutes. Two free throws by senior forward Shawna Bryant finally broke the Dominican scoring drought. Going into halftime, Grand Canyon led 45-24.

To start the second half, some positive energy sparked the Lady Penguins with a basket from senior center Raquel Gomes and a three-point basket by sophomore guard Stephanie Carnes marking a 5-0 run. However, Grand Canyon nearly matched its first half performance, outscoring Dominican for the half, 42-23.

Much of the credit goes to the Antelope defense in the forcing 20 turnovers, stealing the ball in 13 of those instances.

Leading GCU in scoring was senior guard Samantha Murphy, the nation's leading scorer and reigning PacWest Player of the Year, with 27 points. Sophomore center Kim Young led GCU with nine rebounds.

Next for the Lady Penguins are the Vulcans from the University of Hawai'i, Hilo on Thursday, Jan. 27. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at the Conlan Center. In the first meeting between the two teams this season, the Vulcans took the decision 70-56 in the PacWest opener on Jan. 8.