GCU Women’s Basketball Team Faces Challenges Despite Mann’s Brilliance

Phoenix, AZ, December 15, 2025

The Grand Canyon University women’s basketball team showcased both individual talent and team challenges in their recent game against Santa Clara. Sophomore guard Chloe Mann scored a career-high 29 points, yet the Lopes fell 91-72, leaving them at 1-9 for the season. This match marked a crucial warm-up ahead of their entry into the Mountain West Conference, where they aim to enhance their competitiveness. As they prepare for their upcoming game against UNLV, GCU’s transition represents a new era for collegiate athletics within Phoenix.

Phoenix, AZ — The Grand Canyon University women’s basketball team experienced a night of individual brilliance against a backdrop of team challenges, as sophomore guard Chloe Mann delivered a career-high scoring performance that ultimately could not secure a victory against the Santa Clara Broncos. This recent contest serves as a significant precursor to the Antelopes’ historic entry into the Mountain West Conference, marking a new era for collegiate athletics in the thriving Phoenix metropolitan area.

On Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the Global Credit Union Arena, Mann captivated the home crowd with an exceptional 29 points, a new personal best. Despite her outstanding effort, which included hitting 10 of 15 shots from the field and 7 of 8 from the free-throw line, the Lopes fell to Santa Clara with a final score of 91-72. This outcome leaves GCU with a season record of 1-9, as they now pivot their focus to their highly anticipated Mountain West conference opener this Wednesday.

Mann’s Record Night and Team Resilience

A Display of Individual Drive Amidst Setbacks

Chloe Mann’s career-high 29 points against the Santa Clara Broncos showcased a remarkable display of talent and personal perseverance, underscoring the dedication cultivated within university athletic programs. Mann was the sole GCU player to reach double-digit scoring, making her first nine shots before a late third-quarter attempt ended her perfect streak. Her performance is a testament to the rigorous training and individual commitment that characterize student-athletes in Grand Canyon University women’s basketball.

However, the team faced significant hurdles, particularly with ball security. GCU committed 23 turnovers in the game, following a 26-turnover performance in a previous home game against Saint Mary’s. Mann herself accounted for nine of these turnovers, an area first-year head coach Winston Gandy highlighted as critical for improvement. Santa Clara, in contrast, managed only 12 turnovers, which, combined with twice as many offensive rebounds, allowed them 14 more field goal attempts than the Lopes. This disparity in possessions proved decisive, as Santa Clara utilized a 15-2 run in the fourth quarter to solidify their lead after GCU had narrowed the deficit to 67-64.

Stepping onto a Larger Stage: The Mountain West Debut

Elevating GCU’s Athletic Profile

The recent non-conference matchup serves as a vital preparation for Grand Canyon University’s entry into the highly competitive Mountain West Conference. The Lopes are scheduled to open their inaugural Mountain West season at home on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, against the formidable defending conference champion, UNLV. This pivotal game will also mark a significant milestone for the GCU Antelopes program, as it will be their first nationally televised broadcast on CBS Sports Network.

GCU’s move to the Mountain West Conference was officially accelerated, with the university joining immediately for the 2025-26 academic year after the conference’s board of directors approved the transition on July 8, 2025. This expedited entry, initially planned for July 1, 2026, allows GCU student-athletes to compete for conference championships and NCAA postseason eligibility right away. Commissioner Gloria Nevarez noted that GCU brings “elite recruiting, a passionate fanbase, and state-of-the-art facilities,” factors that will significantly elevate the Mountain West’s competitiveness and national profile. This strategic move reflects the university’s commitment to responsible growth and expanding opportunities for its student-athletes.

Phoenix’s Growing Sports Economy

Private Investment and Community Engagement

The continued growth and success of university athletic programs, particularly at institutions like Grand Canyon University, are significant drivers for the local economy of Phoenix, AZ. Each home game, especially those against high-profile opponents or conference rivals, draws spectators, stimulating local businesses and generating revenue across various sectors, from hospitality to retail. GCU’s sustained investment in its athletic facilities and programs exemplifies a model of private initiative contributing directly to community vitality and fostering a vibrant sports culture in Phoenix college sports.

The university’s overall athletic program has undergone a “remarkable transformation,” evolving into one of the largest private Division I universities in the nation with “unprecedented growth and success”. This expansion includes not only athletic facilities but also broader campus upgrades, demonstrating a holistic approach to institutional development. Such growth creates a positive feedback loop, attracting top-tier talent, engaging the local population, and enhancing Phoenix’s reputation as a dynamic sports destination.

Cultivating Excellence and Opportunity

The Value of Competition and Self-Reliance

University athletic departments play a critical role in developing well-rounded individuals, instilling values such as perseverance, teamwork, and strategic thinking through competitive sports. The dedication required for a performance like Chloe Mann scoring a career-high exemplifies the personal initiative and drive that these programs cultivate. Beyond athletic prowess, student-athletes at GCU benefit from a supportive environment that prioritizes academic guidance and career development, preparing them for success both on and off the court.

The entry into the Mountain West Conference offers GCU’s athletes new opportunities to test their skills against a higher level of competition, fostering continuous improvement and reinforcing the value of striving for excellence. This challenging environment is crucial for personal growth and showcases the competitive spirit inherent in American collegiate athletics.

A New Chapter for Grand Canyon Athletics

As Grand Canyon University’s women’s basketball team embarks on its first Mountain West season, the blend of inspiring individual performances and the collective challenge of a new conference highlights the evolving landscape of collegiate sports. This new chapter not only promises thrilling competition for collegiate athletics Phoenix AZ enthusiasts but also underscores the significant role that robust university programs, propelled by private initiative and community support, play in the economic and cultural vibrancy of Arizona.

Local residents and sports aficionados are encouraged to rally behind the Antelopes as they navigate this exciting transition. Supporting university athletics contributes directly to the development of talented student-athletes and reinforces the community’s commitment to responsible growth and the pursuit of excellence.

FAQ Section

• When did the Grand Canyon University women’s basketball team play Santa Clara?
  The Grand Canyon University women’s basketball team played Santa Clara on Sunday, December 14, 2025.
• What was the final score of the GCU vs. Santa Clara game?
  The final score of the GCU vs. Santa Clara game was Santa Clara 91, Grand Canyon 72.
• Who scored a career-high for GCU against Santa Clara?
  Chloe Mann scored a career-high for GCU against Santa Clara.
• How many points did Chloe Mann score in her career-high performance?
  Chloe Mann scored 29 points in her career-high performance.
• When does Grand Canyon University open its first Mountain West season?
  Grand Canyon University opens its first Mountain West season on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
• Who will GCU play in their first Mountain West conference game?
  GCU will play UNLV in their first Mountain West conference game.
• Was the upcoming GCU vs. UNLV game nationally televised?
  Yes, the upcoming GCU vs. UNLV game will be the GCU program’s first nationally televised broadcast on CBS Sports Network.

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